Differences between put away and put off
Put away means to store something in its proper place or to tidy up, while put off means to postpone or delay something.
Meanings and Definitions: put away vs put off
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 off
- 1Postpone.
The concert's been PUT OFF until next month because the singer's got a throat infection.
- 2Stop liking something or somebody.
I was really PUT OFF by the way he eats with his mouth open.
Usage Examples: put away, put off 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 off
Example
We need to put off the party because of the rain.
Example
She always puts off her homework until the last minute.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put away
tidy up
To clean or organize a space by putting things in their proper place.
Example
After the party, she spent an hour 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 to keep them safe and organized.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put off
To postpone or reschedule something to a later time.
Example
They had to delay the project deadline due to unexpected issues.
To avoid or postpone doing something that needs to be done.
Example
He tends to procrastinate when it comes to paying bills or doing taxes.
To postpone or set aside a plan or idea for a later time.
Example
They decided to shelve the new product launch until they could gather more market research.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Phrasal Verbs with “off”
- bounce off
- ring off
- fight off
- fence off
- naff off
Differences in put away vs put off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put away or put off?
In daily conversation, people use put off more often than put away. This is because put off is used for a wider range of situations such as meetings, appointments, or tasks that we don't want to do. On the other hand, put away is mainly used when we're talking about cleaning up or organizing things. So, while both phrases are used, put off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put away and put off
Put away and put off 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 off
The tone of put away and put off can differ based on context. Put away often carries a practical and organized tone when related to tidying up or storing things, while put off typically has a negative or hesitant tone, especially when referring to postponing something important.
put away & put off: Synonyms and Antonyms
Put away
Antonyms
- remove
- retrieve
- unpack
- disorganize
- take out
- bring out
- mess up
