What are the definitions of “put on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get fat.
He's PUT ON a lot of weight since he gave up smoking.
- 2Deceive, lie.
I am not PUTTING you ON.
- 3Start wearing.
I PUT my coat ON before we went out.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put on is to start wearing something, like clothes or accessories. It means to place an item of clothing on your body. For example, you can put on a hat, a coat, or a pair of shoes.
What are the different verb forms of “put on”?
| Root Verb | put on |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts on |
| Present Participle | putting on |
| Simple Past | put on |
| Past Participle | put on |
Example
Before leaving the house, she put on her jacket.
Example
He puts on his shoes before going for a walk.
Example
She is putting on her makeup before the party.
Example
Yesterday, he put on his favorite shirt.
Example
She had put on her gloves before touching the hot pan.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put on”?
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 on” 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 on her hat before going outside.
Example
He put his coat on before leaving the house.
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 on” 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 on her hat before going outside.
Example
He put his coat on before leaving the house.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “put on”?
Good things to know
Does “put on” have an informal or formal tone?
Put on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing a theatrical performance, put on can have a more formal tone.
