What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
put
Example
Can you put the book on the shelf? [put: verb]
Example
I put some sugar in my coffee. [put: past tense]
Example
She put on her coat and left. [put: past participle]
set
Example
Let's set the table for dinner. [set: verb]
Example
He set his watch to the correct time. [set: past tense]
Example
The sun has set, and it's getting dark. [set: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Put is more commonly used in everyday language than set. Put is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while set is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between put and set?
Set is generally considered more formal than put. While put is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, set is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
