put under

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'put under' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a phrasal verb meaning to submit something to somebody or to place something beneath something else. For example: "I put the document under my boss's door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Militant protesters were put under close police protection.

The Economist

The bungee cords, if put under enough stress, may snap.

WikiHow

Search for and select a home to put under contract.

WikiHow

Political leaders were put under house arrest.

The Economist

"I think he was put under pressure".

Independent

"He has been put under pressure.

Independent

He was originally put under house arrest.

Independent

The city was put under curfew.

The Economist

Ayatollah Montazeri was put under house arrest.

The New York Times

All have been put under scrutiny.

The Guardian

Trade unions were put under government control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put under" to describe an action, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being subjected to something else. For example, "put under pressure", "put under surveillance", or "put under investigation".

Common error

Avoid using "put under" when a simpler verb like "place" or "submit" would be more appropriate. The phrasal verb implies a form of subjection or influence, not merely physical placement. So, instead of saying, "put the book under the table", say "place the book under the table".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "put under" functions primarily to indicate that someone or something is being subjected to a particular condition, influence, or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Examples include being "put under pressure", "put under investigation", or "put under surveillance".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put under" is a versatile phrasal verb indicating subjection to a condition or influence, frequently used in neutral contexts such as news and factual reporting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being subjected to what, and avoid using it simply for physical placement. Alternatives like "subjected to", "exposed to", or "brought under" can provide nuance depending on the intended meaning. It's a very common expression supported by a wide range of authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to

Shorter variation of 'subjected to', implying being made to undergo something.

subjected to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of causing someone or something to experience something, often unpleasant.

made subject to

Similar to 'subjected to', but may imply a legal or formal imposition.

exposed to

This suggests revealing or allowing something to be affected by a certain condition or influence.

forced to endure

Emphasizes the involuntary and often negative nature of the experience.

brought under

This suggests gaining control or influence over something.

placed under the control of

This indicates that someone or something is now managed or directed by another entity.

placed beneath

This is a literal alternative, emphasizing the physical act of putting something under something else.

covered by

This suggests a protective layer or inclusion within a certain scope.

tasked with

Indicates assigning a specific responsibility or duty.

FAQs

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

The phrase "put under" can be used in various contexts. For example, "The suspect was "put under surveillance"", "The company was "put under investigation"", or "The population is "put under enormous strain"".

What are some synonyms for "put under" in the context of influence or control?

In contexts where "put under" implies influence or control, you can use alternatives such as "subjected to", "exposed to", or "brought under", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'put under pressure' or should I use a different preposition?

It is correct to say "put under pressure". The preposition "under" is appropriate in this context to indicate that someone is being subjected to stress or influence. Using a different preposition might change the meaning or sound unnatural.

What's the difference between 'placed under' and "put under"?

While both phrases can be used to indicate a change in status or control, "put under" often implies a more forceful or impactful action. For example, "placed under house arrest" and "put under house arrest" both indicate confinement, but the latter may suggest a more significant restriction.