Part 1 of 2 · Same verb · different particle

“put” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. “put” has 10 of them, so they come in 2 parts. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

10 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

put

aside

down forward off

put + aside · 1 of 5

put aside

save for a purpose

put aside sth

to save something, especially money or time, so you can use it later for a particular reason.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I try to put aside a little money each month for unexpected expenses.

A: Are you going to buy that new phone?
B: Not yet. I'm putting aside some cash so I can afford it next month.

Common mistake

Not: I put ~~aside~~ some money for ~~the~~ rainy day.

Say: I put some money aside for a rainy day.

The idiom is 'for a rainy day' (no 'the'); the object often goes in the middle.

More on “put aside”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to put aside time every week for exercise, even if you have a busy schedule.

Tell it apart

I put some money aside for emergencies.

saved it

Let's put aside our differences.

set a disagreement to one side

Goes with

put aside + money/time

Practice saying this

Next: put down

put + down · 2 of 5

put down

to place something on a surface

put down sth

A scene showing “put down” meaning “place something on a surface”.

To move something you are holding and place it onto a table, floor, or another surface.

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

She put down her bag on the chair and sat next to me.

A: Can you put down the groceries on the counter?
B: Sure, I'll do it now.

Common mistake

Not: Put down it on the table.

Say: Put it down on the table.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'put it down'.

More on “put down”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I get home from work, I usually put down my keys on the table by the door so I don't lose them.

Tell it apart

Put the box down here.

set it on a surface

Put the box away.

return it to where it's kept

Goes with

put + thing + down

Practice saying this

Next: put forward

put + forward · 3 of 5

put forward

propose (an idea, suggestion, or plan) for consideration

put forward sth

to suggest an idea, plan, or opinion for other people to think about or discuss, especially in a formal or group setting.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

During the meeting, she put forward a new strategy to improve team productivity.

A: I think we need a better way to organise our files.
B: Actually, I'd like to put forward an idea that might help with that.

Common mistake

Not: She put forward of a new plan.

Say: She put forward a new plan. / She put a new plan forward.

'Put forward' takes the idea directly — no 'of'.

More on “put forward”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important for employees to feel comfortable putting forward suggestions, as this can lead to innovation in the workplace.

Tell it apart

He put forward a sensible proposal.

proposed it formally

He came up with a sensible idea.

thought of it, more casual

Goes with

put forward + proposal

Practice saying this

Next: put off

put + off · 4 of 5

put off

postpone

put off sth

to delay doing something until a later time.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I had to put off my dentist appointment because I was too busy.

A: Did you finish your assignment?
B: No, I put it off until tomorrow.

Common mistake

Not: Don't put off ~~to do~~ your homework.

Say: Don't put off doing your homework.

'Put off' + -ing, not a to-infinitive. With a pronoun: 'put it off'.

More on “put off”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I have a lot of tasks, I sometimes put off the less important ones to focus on urgent work.

Tell it apart

I keep putting off the dentist.

postponing

The smell put me off my food.

made me lose interest/appetite

Goes with

put off + task

Practice saying this

Next: put on

put + on · 5 of 5

put on

wear

put on sth

to dress yourself in a piece of clothing

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Put on a jacket, it's cold outside.

A: Are you ready?
B: Almost. Let me put on my shoes.

Common mistake

Not: I'm ~~wearing~~ my ~~shoes,~~ give me a second.

Say: I'm putting my shoes on, give me a second.

'Put on' = the action of dressing; 'wear' = the state of having it on. You put on a coat, then you wear it.

More on “put on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

On a normal morning I just put on whatever is comfortable and head to work.

Tell it apart

Put on a jacket.

the action of dressing

I'm wearing a jacket.

the state — already on

Goes with

put on + clothing

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “put” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “put” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

All of “put”

10 phrasal verbs in 2 parts.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

put aside put down put forward put off put on