put on

USAGE SUMMARY

"put on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "put on" to describe the act of putting something on to one's body, such as clothing or jewelry, as in: "She put on her hat and gloves before she stepped out into the cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Put on SkyNews!

Independent

"Why put on airs?

The New York Times

Put on your cap.

WikiHow

Put on white gloves.

WikiHow

Put on pretty clothes.

WikiHow

Put on make up.

WikiHow

Put on your skirt.

WikiHow

Put on tanning gloves.

WikiHow

Put on thick mascara.

WikiHow

Put on moisturizer.

WikiHow

Put on your leaves.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to wear an item of clothing, "put on" is appropriate and commonly understood. For example, "Put on your coat before going outside."

Common error

While "put on" is versatile, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "wear", "don", or "apply" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "put on" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object to complete its meaning. It indicates an action performed on something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

56%

News & Media

29%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "put on" is a versatile and common expression with multiple meanings, ranging from wearing clothes to staging a performance or deceiving someone. Ludwig AI confirms that "put on" is correct and can be used in written English. It is often used in everyday contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional or academic settings. While generally informal, its high frequency and varied applications make it an essential part of English vocabulary. When in doubt, refer to Ludwig's examples for guidance on appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wear

This alternative is a more direct synonym, specifically referring to having clothing or accessories on one's body.

don

This alternative is a slightly more formal synonym for wearing clothing.

apply

This alternative is suitable when referring to applying makeup or creams.

stage

This alternative relates specifically to the act of performing a play or show.

mount

This alternative can be used when setting something up, like a display.

affect

This alternative refers to pretending or feigning a certain emotion or behavior.

assume

This alternative indicates adopting a particular manner or characteristic.

initiate

This alternative emphasizes starting a process, such as cooking or warming something.

deceive

This alternative refers to fooling or tricking someone.

play

This alternative can be used in the context of playing a recording.

FAQs

How can I use "put on" in a sentence?

You can use "put on" in a variety of contexts, such as telling someone to wear clothing (e.g., "put on your jacket"), start cooking something (e.g., "put on some coffee"), or deceive someone (e.g., "you're putting me on").

What's the difference between "put on" and "wear"?

"Put on" refers to the act of placing clothing or accessories on your body, while "wear" refers to the state of having them on. For instance, you "put on" your shoes before you "wear" them all day.

When is it appropriate to use "put on" in a formal setting?

While generally informal, "put on" can be used in formal settings when describing the staging of a performance or event. However, for clothing or accessories, consider using more formal alternatives like "don" or "wear".

What can I say instead of "put on" when referring to deceiving someone?

Instead of "put on" when you mean to deceive, you could use phrases like "fool", "trick", or "deceive", depending on the specific context.