What is put? Pronunciation and usage in English

put means . Learn how to pronounce and use put through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of put

putverb

/pʊt/
Definition & pronunciation of put

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "put" in English! It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced.

Here’s the breakdown:

Correct Pronunciation:

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /pʌt/

Let's break that down further:

  • “p”: Sounds like the “p” in “pen.” A short, quick sound.
  • “u”: This is where most people stumble. It’s NOT like the “oo” in “moon.” It's a very short, almost silent “uh” sound. Think of it as a quick, relaxed “uh.” Almost like you’re preparing to say the next sound.
  • “t”: Sounds like the “t” in “top.” A short, crisp “t.”

Putting it together:

It's essentially a very quick: "puh-t" (with the "uh" barely there).

Common Mispronunciations and Why They're Wrong:

  • “put” as “poot”: This adds an extra “o” sound, which isn’t present.
  • “put” as “butt”: Again, adding an “o” sound.
  • “put” with a long “u”: Trying to make it sound like “moon” or “boot” – that’s wrong!

Tips for Getting it Right:

  1. Minimal “u”: The key is to make the “u” sound incredibly short and relaxed. Practice saying "uh" very quickly.
  2. Connect the sounds: The “p” and “t” should flow together almost without a pause.
  3. Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. You can find audio examples on:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, would you like me to:

  • Give you a simple exercise to practice?
  • Record myself saying "put" and you can listen?

Usage and examples with the word put in English

Let's break down how to use the word "put" in English! It's a super common and versatile word with lots of different ways to use it. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Basic Placement – Moving Something to a Location:

  • Most Common Use: "Put" most simply means to place something in a specific location.
    • "Put the book on the table." (Placed the book on the table)
    • "Put your keys in your pocket." (Placed your keys in your pocket)
    • "Put the milk in the refrigerator." (Placed the milk in the refrigerator)

2. Verbs of Action (Focus on the Action of Placement):

  • Putting something down: "I'm putting down my bag." (I am placing my bag)
  • Putting on: (Adding something) "Put your shoes on." (Place your shoes on your feet) "Put a coat on." (Place a coat on yourself) "Put make-up on." (Apply make-up)
  • Putting off: (Delaying something) "Don't put it off until tomorrow!" (Don’t delay it until tomorrow.)
  • Putting up: (Installing or erecting) “They’re putting up a new building.” (They are constructing/erecting a new building.) “Put up a banner.” (Hang up a banner.)

3. "Put" as Part of Phrasal Verbs (Where its meaning changes):

This is where "put" gets really interesting. It often combines with another verb to create a new meaning. Here are some common ones:

  • Put up with: To tolerate something unpleasant. "I can't put up with his rudeness anymore."
  • Put down:
    • To criticize or belittle: "He put down her idea."
    • To physically place: "Put the package down gently."
  • Put out:
    • To extinguish a fire: "Put out the fire with water."
    • To discourage or silence: "Don't put out my enthusiasm!"
  • Put on:
    • To wear (clothing): “Put on your jacket.”
    • To start (a broadcast, a play, etc.): “The radio is putting on a concert.”
  • Put off: (already mentioned, but important!)
  • Put aside: To set something aside for later. “Put aside some money for a rainy day.”
  • Put through: (on the phone) To connect someone to a call. “Put me through to customer service.”

4. "Put" as a Verb in Compound Words:

  • Putting is often part of words that describe a process or action:
    • Putting machine: A machine that puts things together.
    • Putting green: A practice area for golf.
    • Putting contest: A competition involving putting.

5. "Put" as an Interjection (Less Common):

  • Put! – (Often used to get someone's attention) Like saying “Hey!” "Put! Come here!"

Tips for Using "Put" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "put" changes dramatically depending on the situation.
  • Pay attention to phrasal verbs: These are a huge part of how "put" is used. Learn common ones!
  • Consider the object: What is being put where? The object of the preposition "in" (or other prepositions) is what receives the action. (e.g., “Put the book in the drawer.”)

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you struggling with when using "put"? (e.g., are you having trouble with phrasal verbs, understanding the different meanings, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word put

Idioms of the word put

I wouldn’t put it past somebody (to do something)
(informal)used to say that you think somebody is capable of doing something wrong, illegal, etc.
    put it about
    (British English, informal)to have many sexual partners
      put it to somebody that…
      to suggest something to somebody to see if they can argue against it
      • I put it to you that you are the only person who had a motive for the crime.
      put one over on somebody
      (informal)to persuade somebody to believe something that is not true
      • Don't try to put one over on me!
      put somebody through it
      (especially British English, informal)to force somebody to experience something difficult or unpleasant
      • They really put me through it (= asked me difficult questions) at the interview.
      put together
      used when comparing or contrasting somebody/something with a group of other people or things to mean ‘combined’ or ‘in total’
      • Your department spent more last year than all the others put together.
      put up or shut up
      (especially British English)used to tell somebody to stop just talking about something and actually do it, show it, etc.

        Practice with vocabulary put

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. To successfully initiate the new project, we need to __________ together a dedicated team quickly.
        2. The management decided to __________ off the annual general meeting until next quarter due to unforeseen circumstances.
        3. Please __________ the confidential documents in the secure cabinet before leaving the office.
        4. After careful consideration, the committee chose to __________ the proposal that best aligned with their long-term goals.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

        1. The CEO plans to __________ forward a new strategy for market expansion at the upcoming board meeting. A) project B) install C) put D) locate

        2. Before submitting the report, kindly __________ the finishing touches to ensure accuracy and professionalism. A) apply B) add C) put D) secure

        3. Employees are advised not to __________ personal items on their desks overnight for security reasons. A) leave B) display C) put D) store

        4. The IT department will __________ the new software on all company computers next week. A) station B) install C) fix D) arrange

        5. Due to the sudden technical issue, the conference call was __________ by ten minutes. A) postponed B) delayed C) suspended D) advanced

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. The manager wanted to postpone the decision until after the market analysis was complete. (Rewrite using "put")
        2. You must assemble all the necessary data for the presentation by Friday. (Rewrite using "put")
        3. The legal team will review the contract carefully before signing. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "review", but do not use "put")

        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. put
        2. put
        3. place
        4. approve

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. C) put
        2. A) apply, B) add, C) put
        3. A) leave, C) put
        4. B) install
        5. A) postponed, B) delayed

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. The manager wanted to put off the decision until after the market analysis was complete.
        2. You must put together all the necessary data for the presentation by Friday.
        3. The legal team will examine the contract carefully before signing.

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