put it down

USAGE SUMMARY

"put it down" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts and situations, but it is typically used to describe the act of placing something down or setting it aside. Example: "I was carrying a heavy box and needed to put it down for a moment to rest my arms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Let's put it down".

The New Yorker

"Put it down right now.

The New Yorker

Normally, you'd put it down so.

The Guardian - Film

Doctors put it down to stress.

Independent

"We had to put it down".

The New York Times

"I put it down to my face.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He puts it down.

The New Yorker

She puts it down, exasperated.

The Guardian - Music

Then putting it down again.

The Guardian - Sport

Fahlman puts it down to the casualness of modern communication.

Independent

He puts it down to the exotic cover story.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put it down" when you want to simply indicate the action of placing an object on a surface, or when ascribing a reason or cause.

Common error

While versatile, "put it down" should be replaced with verbs that offer more clarity, such as "place", "set", or "lay", especially in formal writing or when specific placement is important.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "put it down" is as a phrasal verb. It functions either transitively, indicating the act of placing something, or idiomatically, to express attributing something to a particular cause or reason. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put it down" is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: to physically place something and to attribute a cause or reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and very common, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it is suitable for general use, writers should consider more precise alternatives for formal contexts or where greater clarity is needed. Related phrases like "set it down" or "ascribe it to" can provide nuanced variations. Remember to choose the phrasing that best fits the context and intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set it down

Similar to "put it down", but slightly more formal.

place it

A more general and neutral term for setting something down.

lay it down

Implies a gentle or careful placement.

rest it

Highlights the action of allowing something to be supported by a surface.

lower it

Focuses on the action of decreasing the height of an object until it rests on a surface.

drop it

Suggests a quick or careless action.

release it

Emphasizes letting go of something, allowing it to fall or rest.

write it down

Specifically refers to recording information on paper or in a digital format.

ascribe it to

Used when attributing a cause or reason to something.

attribute it to

Similar to "ascribe it to", indicating a cause or explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "put it down" in a sentence?

You can use "put it down" to describe the action of placing something, like "I had to put the groceries down because they were heavy". Alternatively, it can mean to attribute something to a cause, like "Doctors put it down to stress".

What are some alternative phrases to "put it down" when referring to placing an object?

Consider using "set it down", "place it", or "lay it down" for similar meanings. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "put it down" to mean attribute something to?

Use "put it down to" when explaining the reason of something such as: "I "put it down to" youthful idealism."

What's the difference between "put it down" and "write it down"?

"Put it down" generally refers to physically placing something, or to attributing a cause. "Write it down" refers specifically to recording information in written form.