Phrasal verbs "put down to" vs "put over"

Differences between put down to and put over

Put down to is used to attribute a cause or reason for something, while put over is used to convey a message or idea to someone.

Meanings and Definitions: put down to vs put over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Put down to

  • 1Give as an explanation.

    He didn't score many, but we can PUT that DOWN TO inexperience.

Put over

  • 1Successfully execute ( a scam, trick, etc. ).

    They PUT OVER a clever practical joke on us.

Usage Examples: put down to, put over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

put down to

Example

She put her success down to hard work and determination.

Example

He puts his failure down to a lack of preparation.

put over

Example

The magician put over an amazing trick on the audience.

Example

She puts over a clever prank on her friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put down to

To assign or ascribe a cause or reason for something.

Example

The doctor attributed his symptoms to a lack of sleep and stress.

chalk up to

To attribute or credit something to a particular cause or reason.

Example

She chalked up her success to hard work and perseverance.

To hold responsible or accountable for something negative or undesirable.

Example

He blamed the accident on the slippery road conditions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put over

To successfully communicate or convey a message or idea to someone.

Example

It was difficult to get my point across during the heated argument.

To present or propose an idea or argument for consideration.

Example

He put forth a compelling argument for why we should invest in renewable energy.

bring home

To make someone understand or realize something clearly.

Example

The documentary brought home the devastating effects of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “put”

Differences in put down to vs put over: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: put down to or put over?

In everyday conversation, put down to is less common than put over. Put over is used more frequently in both formal and informal settings, while put down to is mainly used in more formal contexts such as academic or professional writing.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put down to and put over

Put down to is considered a more formal phrase and is often used in academic or professional writing. On the other hand, put over is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of put down to and put over

The tone of put down to and put over can differ based on context. Put down to often carries a neutral or objective tone when attributing a cause or reason, while put over typically has a persuasive or convincing tone, especially when trying to convey a message or idea.

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