putting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "putting" is an entirely correct and usable word in written English.
It is a present participle verb form of the verb "put," and it is typically used as part of a verb phrase. For example, you might say "I'm putting a lot of effort into this project" or "I'm putting a new spin on an old tradition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is putting it mildly.

The New York Times

That's one way of putting it.

The New York Times

I remember when I was a youth-team player, fans putting money in buckets at the Winter Gardens.

The Guardian - Sport

The techniques inflicted on the detainees included hooding suspects, putting them into stress positions, sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation and the use of white noise.

The Guardian

The Commonwealth is not putting their shoulder to the wheel".

The Guardian

But what it was actually doing was putting the dealers' interest in no oversight ahead of the public's interest in a fair marketplace.

The Economist

And that's putting it mildly.

The New York Times

"Putting on a show or a concert with all their friends there and their family, it makes them feel good about themselves".

The Guardian

"Plunkett has paid a heavy price for putting his own interests above the integrity of the market and Barclays customerr.

The Guardian - Business

When he first started putting men in pussy-bow blouses, there was muttering about boundary pushing and it was dismissed as experimental London fashion by some factions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or, putting the geography to one side, to mid-table in the most watched league in world football via one relegation, a painful administration and 11 different managers – permanent, interim or caretaker – at Palace alone.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "putting" in your writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "placing" or "positioning" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While "putting" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "establishing", "implementing", or "designating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "putting" is as a present participle, often forming part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is putting"). It can also function as a gerund, acting as a noun (e.g., "Putting effort into..."). Ludwig AI confirms this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "putting" functions primarily as a present participle, often forming continuous verb tenses. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound and versatile term. It's frequently employed in News & Media contexts to describe ongoing actions, with less common usage in more formal or academic settings. While generally neutral in register, more precise verbs may be preferable in highly formal writing. When considering alternatives, "placing", "setting", and "positioning" offer similar but nuanced meanings. Remember that while "putting" is a common term, using it thoughtfully and considering the context will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

placing

Focuses on the act of assigning a position to something.

setting

Highlights the act of arranging something in a particular position.

positioning

Emphasizes the act of carefully placing something in a specific location.

arranging

Implies a more organized or deliberate placement.

laying

Suggests placing something down gently or carefully.

inserting

Focuses on placing something inside something else.

installing

Highlights the act of setting something up for use.

introducing

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into a situation.

assigning

Highlights the act of designating something for a specific purpose.

committing

Focuses on dedicating something to a particular purpose or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "putting" in a sentence?

You can use "putting" in various contexts, such as "I'm putting my ideas into action", "She is putting her career first", or "They are putting a lot of effort into the project".

What are some alternatives to "putting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "placing", "setting", or "positioning".

What's the difference between "putting" and "placing"?

"Putting" is a more general term for placing something, while "placing" often implies a more careful or deliberate action. For instance, you might "put" a book on a table, but you would "place" a delicate vase on a shelf.

Is "putting" appropriate for formal writing?

While "putting" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise verbs like "establishing" or "implementing" to maintain a professional tone.