putting on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "putting on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is dressing, applying something, or assuming a role or attitude. Example: "She is putting on her coat before heading out into the cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Women putting on makeup.

The New Yorker

Biden putting on a clinic.

The New Yorker

I like putting on moisturizer.

The New Yorker

Kraus is putting on a show.

The New Yorker

Was he putting on an act?

The New York Times - Arts

They're putting on a show together.

The New Yorker

Television stars are putting on special shows.

The Economist

They clearly enjoy putting on a show.

The New York Times

She was still putting on final touches.

The New Yorker

It is about putting on a show".

Independent

So she was putting on weight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "putting on" to describe an action, ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to applying something physically (like clothes or makeup) or assuming a role or pretense.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the sentence clearly indicates whether "putting on" refers to a physical action (e.g., clothes, makeup) or a metaphorical one (e.g., a show, an act).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "putting on" functions primarily as a present participle in verb phrases. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it indicates an ongoing action, such as "putting on makeup" or "putting on a show". Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "putting on" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions ranging from dressing and applying makeup to staging performances and feigning emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts. While more formal alternatives like "donning" exist, "putting on" remains a common and reliable choice for expressing these various actions. Remember to consider the context to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dressing in

Focuses specifically on the act of getting dressed.

applying

Emphasizes the act of spreading or attaching something to a surface.

donning

A more formal synonym for putting on clothes or accessories.

wearing

Highlights the state of having something on one's body.

feigning

Implies pretending or creating a false appearance.

imitating

Suggests copying someone's behavior or mannerisms.

staging

Focuses on organizing or presenting a performance or event.

faking

Indicates pretending or creating a false impression.

simulating

Involves creating a realistic imitation of something.

affecting

Implies adopting a behavior or mannerism, often artificially.

FAQs

How can I use "putting on" in a sentence?

You can use "putting on" to describe actions like dressing (e.g., "She's putting on her coat"), applying cosmetics (e.g., "She's putting on makeup"), or feigning a behavior (e.g., "He's putting on a show").

What are some alternatives to "putting on"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "dressing in", "applying", "donning", "wearing", or "feigning".

Is it better to say "putting on a show" or "staging a show"?

Both "putting on a show" and "staging a show" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Putting on a show" often implies a performance or pretense, while "staging a show" focuses more on the logistical aspects of organizing and presenting the performance.

What's the difference between "putting on" and "wearing"?

"Putting on" describes the action of getting dressed or applying something, while "wearing" describes the state of having something on. For instance, you "put on" a coat, and then you are "wearing" a coat.