put it in the trash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put it in the trash" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to dispose of something they no longer need or want. Example: "If you don't need that old document anymore, just put it in the trash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Put it in the trash".

The New York Times - Sports

"Instead of dropping something on the ground, they walk over and put it in the trash.

The New York Times

"New Yorkers, to their credit, see a piece of trash and put it in the trash can.

The New York Times

"Put it in the trash!" But moments later he was murmuring to his sound engineer, "That's a peach, Walter".

The New Yorker

"I couldn't put it in the trash any more than I could put the flag I received when my husband, who was a veteran, died," she said.

The New York Times

Mr. Rove said that Mr. Allbaugh did not give the document to Governor Bush, but instead "put it in the trash".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Add 49 million barrels of oil to carry the process through filling the bottles with water, transporting them and ultimately recycling of the plastic or putting it in the trash.

The New York Times

Simply picking it up and putting it in the trash is the best way to go, she said.

HuffPost

Sign up for the Butt of VICE, delivered to your inbuy daity.

Vice

Wait for the paint thinner to completely dry into clumps, then seal the whole can in a plastic bag before putting it in the trash.

WikiHow

Come alone!!," followed by a terse instruction — "Put it in the green trash kan on the devil strip at the corner 18th and Carlson".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to dispose of something, ensure the context is clear. For example, specify what "it" refers to before using the phrase "put it in the trash".

Common error

Avoid using "put it in the trash" without clearly defining what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put it in the trash" primarily functions as an imperative, directing someone to dispose of an item. Examples in Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from everyday instructions to metaphorical expressions. It assumes a direct action and clear understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

Science Magazine

5%

Harvard University

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put it in the trash" is a common and straightforward way to instruct someone to dispose of an item. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, as exemplified by various real-world contexts in the search results. While generally informal, its versatility makes it suitable for diverse situations. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "dispose of it" or "discard it". The phrase's frequent appearance in News & Media and Wiki sources further validates its widespread acceptance and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Put it in the garbage

Uses 'garbage' instead of 'trash', maintaining similar meaning.

Throw it away

This is a more general and widely used alternative to "put it in the trash".

Trash it

This is a shorter, more direct version using the verb form of "trash".

Get rid of it

This is a very common and versatile way to say to remove or eliminate something.

Discard it

This alternative sounds slightly more formal than "put it in the trash".

Bin it

This is a British English equivalent of "put it in the trash".

Chuck it out

This is an informal way to say "put it in the trash", implying a quick disposal.

Dispose of it

This is a formal and often more technical way to say "put it in the trash".

Dump it

Implies a less careful or considerate disposal.

consign it to the refuse

A more formal and less common way to describe putting something in the trash.

FAQs

What does "put it in the trash" mean?

The phrase "put it in the trash" means to dispose of something by placing it in a receptacle for waste, such as a garbage can or trash bin.

What can I say instead of "put it in the trash"?

You can use alternatives like "throw it away", "discard it", or "get rid of it" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "put it in the garbage" instead of "put it in the trash"?

Yes, "put it in the garbage" is perfectly correct and often interchangeable with "put it in the trash". The words "trash" and "garbage" are synonyms in this context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "put it in the trash"?

It may be inappropriate in formal settings where more refined language is expected, such as in academic papers or business reports. In such cases, consider using "dispose of it".