put up signs

USAGE SUMMARY

"put up signs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you want to display signs somewhere. For example, "We should put up signs to remind people not to litter in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We put up signs.

The New Yorker

Residents here put up signs in delis.

The New York Times

"Bait shops could put up signs," Mr. Mundy said.

The New York Times

We put up signs all over the city.

The New York Times

Some businesses here put up signs in storefront windows announcing their intention to close on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Put up signs notifying people that CCTV is in use and who operates it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He made appearances in the state and his supporters put up signs along Virginia's roadways.

The New York Times

At his booth on Sunday, he had put up signs that read: "PRIVATE COLLECTOR: NO PAPERWORK".

The Guardian

Zoning is strict: for example, businesses must secure local approval before they put up signs.

The New York Times - Travel

They worked in groups to make the building and put up signs about the courses available.

The Guardian

When land trust volunteers put up signs saying "No A.T.V.'S," the signs were torn down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put up signs", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose and audience of the signs. For example, "put up signs" to warn of hazards or provide directions.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "Signs were put up" when you can use the active voice: "They put up signs". The active voice makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put up signs" functions as a phrasal verb, where "put up" acts as the verb and "signs" serves as the direct object. It indicates the action of displaying or erecting signs for various purposes, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put up signs" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb that means to display or erect signs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While it maintains a neutral register, its communicative purpose is primarily to inform, warn, or direct. When writing, it is advisable to use the active voice whenever possible to make your writing more direct. While other semantically related alternatives are available, "put up signs" remains a clear and universally understood way to describe the action of displaying signs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erect signage

Replaces "put up" with a more formal verb and uses the noun "signage".

display notices

Substitutes "signs" with "notices", implying a broader range of informational displays.

post warnings

Focuses specifically on signs that convey warnings.

mount placards

Uses more formal terms to describe the action and the type of sign.

affix labels

Implies smaller, more informational signs.

install markers

Suggests more permanent or official signage.

position signboards

Emphasizes the placement of larger signs.

hang banners

Focuses on a specific type of sign that is hung.

set up billboards

Refers to large advertising signs.

stick up posters

Suggests an informal or temporary way of displaying signs.

FAQs

What does "put up signs" mean?

The phrase "put up signs" means to display or erect signs in a visible location, typically to convey information, warnings, or directions.

What can I say instead of "put up signs"?

You can use alternatives like "display notices", "erect signage", or "post warnings" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "signs were put up"?

While grammatically correct, using the active voice, such as "They put up signs", is often more direct and engaging. The passive voice can sometimes sound less clear or less impactful.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "put up signs"?

"Put up signs" is appropriate in various contexts, including public safety (e.g., warning signs), advertising (e.g., promotional signs), and informational purposes (e.g., directional signs).