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put on — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
put on
weargain weight

Meaning 1 · most common

wear

  • put on sth
A scene showing “put on” meaning “wear”.

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 “wear”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
Next meaning: gain weight

Meaning 2

gain weight

  • put on weight
A scene showing “put on” meaning “gain weight”.

to become heavier, especially by gaining a stated amount of weight

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I put on a bit of weight over the holidays.

A: You look well!
B: Thanks — I've actually put on a few kilos since I stopped running.

Common mistake

Not: I put up some weight recently.

Say: I put on some weight recently.

It's 'put ON weight', not 'put up'. The opposite is 'lose weight'.

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

Another example

A lot of people put on weight in winter because they exercise less and eat heavier food.

Tell it apart

I've put on a few kilos.

  • gained weight

I'll put on my coat.

  • get dressed in it

Goes with

  • put on + weight
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?

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weargain weight