Differences between put away and put back
Put away means to store something in its proper place or to tidy up a space, while put back means to return something to its original position or location.
Meanings and Definitions: put away vs put back
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Put away
- 1Put something back in the correct place.
He PUT the dictionary BACK on the shelf after he'd finished the crossword.
- 2Put someone in prison.
The judge PUT him AWAY for ten years for robbery.
Put back
- 1Rearrange something for a later time.
The AGM has been PUT BACK until July the seventeenth.
Usage Examples: put away, put back in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
put away
Example
Please put away your toys when you're done playing.
Example
She puts away her clothes after doing laundry.
put back
Example
Please put back the toys when you're done playing with them.
Example
She always puts back the dishes after washing them.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put away
tidy up
To clean and organize a space by putting things in their proper place.
Example
After the party, she spent hours tidying up the living room and putting away the decorations.
To keep something in a designated place for future use.
Example
He always stores his tools in the garage after using them to keep them organized and easy to find.
To make something orderly and well-arranged.
Example
She took some time to neaten her desk and put away the papers and books.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put back
To move something to a different position or location.
Example
He had to reposition the furniture in the living room to make space for the new sofa.
To bring something back to its original state or condition.
Example
The team worked hard to restore the old building to its former glory.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
- eat away
- pine away
- tow away
- shoot away
- spaff away
Differences in put away vs put back: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put away or put back?
In daily conversation, people use put away more often than put back. This is because put away is used for more routine tasks such as cleaning up or organizing things. Put back is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about returning something to its original position or location. So, while both phrases are used, put away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put away and put back
Put away and put back are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of put away and put back
The tone of put away and put back can differ based on context. Put away often carries a practical and organized tone when related to tidying up or storing things, while put back typically has a more specific and precise tone, especially when referring to returning objects to their original location.
