What are the definitions of “put over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Successfully execute ( a scam, trick, etc. ).
They PUT OVER a clever practical joke on us.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put over is to successfully execute a scam, trick, or other deceptive action. It means that someone has managed to carry out a plan or scheme, often in a clever or cunning way.
What are the different verb forms of “put over”?
| Root Verb | put over |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts over |
| Present Participle | putting over |
| Simple Past | put over |
| Past Participle | put over |
Example
The magician put over an amazing trick on the audience.
Example
She puts over a clever prank on her friends.
Example
He is putting over a scam on unsuspecting victims.
Example
Yesterday, they put over a successful trick on their classmates.
Example
The con artist had put over several scams before getting caught.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put over”?
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 over” 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
The thief put over a clever scam on the tourists.
Example
She put over a practical joke on her coworkers.
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 over” 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
The thief put over a clever scam on the tourists.
Example
She put over a practical joke on her coworkers.
Good things to know
Does “put over” have an informal or formal tone?
Put over is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'execute' or 'carry out' when referring to successfully completing a task or plan.
