Differences between put down and wear down
Put down means to place something on a surface or to criticize someone harshly, while wear down means to gradually become weaker or damaged over time due to use or friction.
Meanings and Definitions: put down vs wear down
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.
Wear down
- 1Make something weaker.
The stress of my job is WEARING me DOWN.
Usage Examples: put down, wear down 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.
wear down
Example
The constant noise wears down my patience.
Example
The rough surface wears down the tires quickly.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put down
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear down
To become progressively worse or less valuable over time.
Example
The quality of the product started to deteriorate after a few months of use.
To gradually wear away or be worn away by natural elements or friction.
Example
The constant flow of water had eroded the rocks on the riverbank over time.
To gradually reduce or exhaust the quantity or resources of something.
Example
The company's profits had been depleted due to the economic downturn.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
- man down
- wave down
- weigh down
- kick down
- lash down
Differences in put down vs wear down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put down or wear down?
In daily conversation, people use put down more often than wear down. This is because put down is used for more daily tasks and routines such as placing objects on surfaces or writing something down. Wear down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about the gradual weakening or damaging of something. So, while both phrases are used, put down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put down and wear down
Put down and wear down 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 wear down
The tone of put down and wear down can differ based on context. Put down often carries a negative or critical tone when related to criticizing someone, while it has a neutral tone when referring to placing objects on surfaces. On the other hand, wear down typically has a neutral or slightly negative tone, especially when referring to the gradual damage or weakening of something.
