Differences between put away and put on
Put away means to store something in its proper place or to tidy up, while put on means to wear clothes or accessories.
Meanings and Definitions: put away vs put on
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 on
- 1Get fat.
He's PUT ON a lot of weight since he gave up smoking.
- 2Deceive, lie.
I am not PUTTING you ON.
- 3Start wearing.
I PUT my coat ON before we went out.
Usage Examples: put away, put on 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 on
Example
Before leaving the house, she put on her jacket.
Example
He puts on his shoes before going for a walk.
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 decided to store his winter clothes in a box under the bed until next year.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put on
To have clothes or accessories on one's body.
Example
She decided to wear her new dress to the party and received many compliments.
dress up
To wear formal or fancy clothes for a special occasion.
Example
He loves to dress up for Halloween and always comes up with creative costumes.
To wear or display something proudly or confidently.
Example
He likes to sport his favorite team's jersey on game days to show his support.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
- sign away
- be away
- clear away
- slip away
- tuck away
Phrasal Verbs with “on”
Differences in put away vs put on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put away or put on?
In daily conversation, people use put on more often than put away. This is because getting dressed is a daily routine for most people, while tidying up is not always necessary. However, both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put away and put on
Put away and put on 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 on
The tone of put away and put on can differ based on context. Put away often carries a practical and organized tone when related to cleaning or organizing, while put on typically has a fashion-related tone, especially when referring to wearing clothes or accessories.
