What are the definitions of “put up with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Tolerate.
I can't PUT UP WITH my neighbour's noise any longer; it's driving me mad.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put up with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put up with is to tolerate or endure something or someone that is annoying, unpleasant, or difficult. It means to accept or deal with a situation even if it is not ideal.
What are the different verb forms of “put up with”?
| Root Verb | put up with |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts up with |
| Present Participle | putting up with |
| Simple Past | put up with |
| Past Participle | put up with |
Example
I can't put up with this loud music anymore.
Example
She puts up with her boss's bad attitude every day.
Example
He is putting up with the construction noise outside his window.
Example
They put up with the cold weather during their vacation.
Example
She has put up with her noisy neighbors for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put up with”?
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 up with” 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
I can't put up with this mess anymore.
Example
She puts up with her brother's constant teasing.
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 up with” 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
I can't put up with this mess anymore.
Example
She puts up with her brother's constant teasing.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “put up with”?
Good things to know
Does “put up with” have an informal or formal tone?
Put up with is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'tolerate' or 'endure'.
