Differences between put down to and put up
Put down to usually means to attribute or explain the cause of something, while put up generally means to provide lodging or accommodation for someone.
Meanings and Definitions: put down to vs put up
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 up
- 1Allow someone to stay at your house for a night or a few days..
She PUT me UP for the night because I'd missed the last bus and there were no night buses running.
- 2Increase prices, taxes, duties, etc..
The government has PUT tuition fees for undergraduate students UP again.
- 3Show skill or determination in a contest, competition, fight, etc.
They PUT UP a great fight but lost.
Usage Examples: put down to, put up 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 up
Example
I put up my cousin for the weekend while he was in town.
Example
She puts up her friends whenever they visit the city.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put down to
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put up
To provide lodging or housing for someone.
Example
The hotel was able to accommodate all of our guests for the wedding weekend.
To entertain or provide hospitality for someone.
Example
We hosted our relatives from out of town for Thanksgiving dinner.
To provide protection or a safe place to stay for someone.
Example
The homeless shelter shelters individuals who have nowhere else to go.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “down to”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in put down to vs put up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put down to or put up?
In daily conversation, people use put up more often than put down to. This is because put up is used for more common situations such as hosting guests or finding a place to stay. Put down to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about explaining the reason for something. So, while both phrases are used, put up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put down to and put up
Put down to and put up 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 to and put up
The tone of put down to and put up can differ based on context. Put down to often carries a curious or investigative tone when related to attributing a cause, while put up typically has a helpful and welcoming tone, especially when referring to providing accommodation.
