put towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean "allocate or devote something (usually money) to a particular activity or cause". For example, "We put a substantial amount of our budget towards research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But every penny has been put towards this".

The Guardian - Money

It can, however, be put towards the cost of private civil litigation over Enron.

The Economist

The proceeds from the bond issue will be put towards assorted business ventures.

The Economist

Secondly, more resources should be put towards understanding the developmental damage these children have suffered.

The Guardian

Arable land itself is put towards profit through speculation, mining and logging, rather than feeding people.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is equivalent to $4bn, close to what Australia put towards aid.

The Guardian

"Her family were interested in the revenue stream to put towards their campaign.

The Guardian - Music

Any profits made are put towards school trips and recycling bins for the local area.

The Guardian

This is put towards the cost of caring for the two sons from her first marriage.

The Guardian - Money

They hope the future proceeds will be put towards university fees.

The Guardian - Money

Additional resources should also be put towards strengthening and implementing the rule of law.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put towards", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being allocated and the specific purpose or goal it is intended to support.

Common error

Avoid using "put towards" when the intended meaning is simply 'to place' or 'to set'. "Put towards" implies a deliberate allocation for a specific benefit or use, not mere placement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put towards" primarily functions as a phrasal verb used to indicate the allocation or application of resources—typically money or effort—to a specific purpose or goal. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put towards" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate the allocation of resources, primarily money or effort, to a specific purpose. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While "put toward" is an alternative, "put towards" is more prevalent. To ensure clarity, use this phrase when emphasizing the intended use of the resources, and avoid it when simply referring to placement. Remember that alternatives such as "allocate to" or "contribute to" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate to

Focuses more on the act of distributing resources for a specific purpose.

contribute to

Highlights the act of giving or adding something to a common fund or cause.

dedicate to

Emphasizes a strong commitment or setting aside resources exclusively for a purpose.

devote to

Implies a complete and focused application of resources or effort.

apply to

Suggests directing something towards a specific use or function.

assign to

Indicates a formal allocation of resources or responsibilities.

earmark for

Specifically designates something for a particular purpose, often funds.

allot to

Formally distributes a share or portion for a specific reason.

channel into

Suggests directing resources or efforts into a specific area or project.

plow into

Informal expression indicating a significant investment of resources or effort.

FAQs

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

Use "put towards" to indicate that something, usually money or effort, is being allocated to a specific purpose. For example, "The money raised will be put towards cancer research".

What are some alternatives to "put towards"?

You can use alternatives like "allocate to", "contribute to", or "dedicate to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "put toward" instead of "put towards"?

While "put toward" is sometimes used, "put towards" is more common and generally preferred, especially in British English. Both forms mean the same thing, but "put towards" is more widely accepted.

What's the difference between "put towards" and "invest in"?

"Put towards" implies allocating resources to a specific, often immediate, need or goal, whereas "invest in" suggests a longer-term expectation of return or growth. You might "put money towards a new car", but you would "invest in the stock market".