put on cologne

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put on cologne" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of applying cologne to oneself, typically for personal grooming or fragrance purposes. Example: "Before heading out for the evening, he always makes sure to put on cologne to smell nice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Do you put on cologne when you know Brad Pitt's going to be around?" This is when he began to walk away, toward his colleagues, who were standing around an SUV.

Vice

Put on cologne.

WikiHow

Run a bath, put on cologne, set the table.

The New York Times

"He put on cologne before going over there," he said.

The New York Times

He inserted his earring, put on cologne, adjusted his shirt and bolted.

The New York Times - Sports

"So I brushed my teeth and flossed and put on cologne and tried to look all bright eyed and bushy tailed, and, well, it just didn't work".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Put on some cologne.

WikiHow

Get into your clothes, put on your cologne, fix your hair.

WikiHow

Don't put on too much cologne or body spray.

WikiHow

Also, put on a little cologne and chew some gum.

WikiHow

Don't put on too much cologne if you do.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing personal grooming routines, "put on cologne" is appropriate. Be mindful of the quantity; specify "a little cologne" or "too much cologne" to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid using excessive amounts of cologne. Phrases like "douse oneself in cologne" or "bathe in cologne" suggest an overpowering and potentially unpleasant application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on cologne" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of applying cologne. It is commonly used in sentences describing personal grooming habits, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put on cologne" is a very common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of applying cologne. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts. While it's generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid over-application, as excessive cologne can be off-putting. Alternatives like "apply cologne" or wear cologne offer slight variations in meaning and formality. When using "put on cologne", remember to be mindful of the quantity and the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply cologne

Uses a more formal verb, "apply", instead of the phrasal verb "put on".

wear cologne

Focuses on the state of having cologne applied, rather than the act of application.

spritz cologne

Specifies the method of application as spraying.

dab on cologne

Specifies the method of application as dabbing.

splash on cologne

Specifies the method of application as splashing.

apply fragrance

Replaces "cologne" with a broader term, "fragrance".

scent oneself with cologne

More formal and elaborate way of saying the same thing.

perfume oneself with cologne

Uses the verb "perfume" to describe applying cologne.

use cologne

Simple, general term for applying cologne.

groom with cologne

Incorporates cologne application into the broader context of grooming.

FAQs

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

You can use "put on cologne" to describe the act of applying cologne, such as: "Before going out, he made sure to "put on cologne"." or "She advised him to "put on cologne" before the interview."

What's a more formal way to say "put on cologne"?

A more formal alternative is to "apply cologne". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it better to say "put on cologne" or "wear cologne"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Put on cologne" refers to the action of applying the cologne, while "wear cologne" refers to the state of having cologne applied.

How much cologne should I "put on"?

It's generally advisable to use cologne sparingly. Overdoing it can be overpowering. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Consider using the phrase "apply cologne sparingly".