Phrasal verbs "let down" vs "put down"

Differences between let down and put down

Let down means to disappoint someone or fail to meet their expectations, while put down means to place something in a particular location or to criticize or insult someone.

Meanings and Definitions: let down vs put down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Let down

  • 1Disappoint, fail to keep an arrangement.

    She failed to turn up and I felt badly LET DOWN.

  • 2Make clothes longer.

    He's grown so much, we'll have to LET his trousers DOWN.

Put down

  • 1Kill an animal because it's old, ill, etc..

    He had his dog PUT DOWN because it was in a lot of pain from its tumours.

  • 2Stop holding ( but withdraw support gently ).

    PUT the gun DOWN slowly and keep your hands where I can see them.

Usage Examples: let down, put down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

let down

Example

I don't want to let down my team by not showing up for practice.

Example

She always lets down her friends when they need her the most.

put down

Example

Please put down your bags on the floor.

Example

She puts down her phone when she's talking to someone.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Let down

To fail to meet someone's expectations or hopes.

Example

I don't want to disappoint my parents by dropping out of college.

To fail to reach a goal or expectation.

Example

The team fell short of winning the championship despite their hard work.

To fail to fulfill a promise or commitment.

Example

He didn't come through with the money he promised to lend me.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put down

To put something in a particular location.

Example

Can you place the book on the shelf for me?

To write something quickly or briefly.

Example

Let me jot down your phone number before I forget it.

To reserve or keep something for a particular purpose.

Example

I need to set aside some money for my vacation next month.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “let”

Phrasal Verbs with “put”

Differences in let down vs put down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: let down or put down?

In daily conversation, people use put down more often than let down. This is because put down has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts, such as placing an object on a surface or writing something down. Let down is less common but still used in situations where someone fails to meet expectations or disappoints someone else.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of let down and put down

Let down and put down are both informal phrases used in casual conversations. However, put down can also be used in formal settings when referring to placing something in a particular location. In contrast, let down is not typically used in formal contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of let down and put down

The tone of let down and put down can differ based on context. Let down often carries a sympathetic or apologetic tone when related to disappointing someone, while put down typically has a negative or critical tone, especially when referring to insulting someone.

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