What are the definitions of “put about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To spread or circulate.
And I know there were Piebald scrolls put about town, claiming all sorts of wild things.
- 2Spread rumors or gossip about someone.
Clare’s been putting it about that I’m pregnant.
- 3To spread or circulate (information or rumors) in a deceptive or misleading way.
Now I understand that the concept of "better" is just an evil myth put about by fascist medical practitioners.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put about is to spread or circulate information, rumors, or gossip. It can be used to describe sharing news, ideas, or stories with others, often with the intention of influencing people's opinions or beliefs.
What are the different verb forms of “put about”?
| Root Verb | put about |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts about |
| Present Participle | putting about |
| Simple Past | put about |
| Past Participle | put about |
Example
She put about the news of her engagement to her friends.
Example
He puts about rumors to create confusion.
Example
They are putting about false information to mislead people.
Example
Yesterday, she put about the news of her promotion.
Example
The gossip has been put about by someone with bad intentions.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put about”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“put about” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She put about the news of her engagement.
Example
He put about the rumor that the company was closing.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“put about” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She put about the news of her engagement.
Example
He put about the rumor that the company was closing.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “put about”?
To spread false or misleading information, often with the intention of deceiving others.
Example
The company put about false information about their competitor to damage their reputation.
Good things to know
Does “put about” have an informal or formal tone?
Put about is generally considered to have a neutral to informal tone. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. However, when discussing the spreading of rumors or gossip, it may be considered informal.
