Differences between put down and put off
Put down usually means to place something on a surface or to criticize someone or something, whereas put off generally means to postpone or delay something.
Meanings and Definitions: put down vs put off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
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 down, put off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
put down
Example
Please put down your bags on the floor.
Example
She puts down her phone when she's talking to someone.
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 down
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put off
To delay or reschedule an event or task to a later time or date.
Example
They had to postpone the meeting until next week due to scheduling conflicts.
To hold off or slow down the progress of something.
Example
The construction of the new building was delayed due to bad weather conditions.
To delay or avoid doing something that needs to be done.
Example
She tends to procrastinate when it comes to studying for exams, which causes her stress later on.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in put down vs put off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put down or put off?
In daily conversation, people use put off more often than put down. This is because put off is used for more common situations such as rescheduling appointments or delaying tasks. Put down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about placing something on a surface or criticizing someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, put off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put down and put off
Put down 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 down and put off
The tone of put down and put off can differ based on context. Put down often carries a negative or critical tone when related to criticizing someone or something, while put off typically has a neutral or practical tone, especially when referring to postponing tasks or events.
