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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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what we put

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what we put" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing contributions, efforts, or items that are placed or included in a context, such as a project or discussion. Example: "The success of our project depends on what we put into it in terms of time and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's what we put in.

News & Media

Independent

But what we put into it is ours.

"We can all be proud of what we put in.

What we put in our bodies makes a difference.

News & Media

The Guardian

We choose what we put into our mouths.

News & Media

The Guardian

That's what we put a lot of energy into doing.

"We are deliberate in what we put out," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I don't care where the ball is thrown, that's what we put them on scholarship for.

News & Media

The New York Times

"We show a great deal by what we put on our bodies".

News & Media

The New York Times

"Our real suffering," he said, "was much worse than what we put in the movie".

Might it not, after all, be a good idea to worry more about what we put into our minds than what we put into our mouths?

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what we put" to emphasize the direct action of placing or contributing something, whether it's effort, resources, or content. For example, "Consider carefully what we put into our marketing campaigns."

Common error

Avoid using "what we put" when a more specific verb would be more precise. For example, instead of saying "what we put in the report", consider verbs like "include", "detail", or "specify" to clarify the exact action.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what we put" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it represents the contribution, effort, or resources that are invested in something. For instance, "That's what we put in" indicates the input provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what we put" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote contributions, investments, or placements in various contexts. As shown by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure clarity and precision by considering more specific verbs or phrases depending on the intended meaning. Remember to tailor your language based on the specific situation to avoid ambiguity and enhance communication.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what we put" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the contributions we make", "the resources we allocate", or "the efforts we invest". For example, instead of "what we put into the project", you could say "the "contributions we make" to the project".

Is it always appropriate to use "what we put" in writing?

While generally acceptable, "what we put" can sometimes be vague. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being placed or contributed. If not, a more specific term might improve clarity. For instance, using "the data we included" instead of "what we put in the analysis" provides better precision.

What's the difference between "what we put in" and "what we get out"?

"What we put in" refers to the input, effort, or resources contributed to something, while "what we get out" refers to the results or outcomes achieved. The relationship between the two often implies a cause-and-effect dynamic. They are reciprocal concepts; the first representing the investment and the second the return. They are like saying effort in a task will determine the returns.

Are there contexts where "what we put" might be misunderstood?

Yes, in contexts where 'put' could imply physical placement, it's crucial to ensure the meaning is clear. If discussing abstract contributions, consider alternatives to avoid ambiguity. For example, use "the efforts expended" rather than "what we put" if discussing dedication to a project.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: