PUT ON

National Parks

📖 Definition

To 'put on' can mean to dress oneself with an article of clothing, assume a specific emotion or facade, or start a device.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'put on' can mean to dress oneself with an article of clothing, assume a specific emotion or facade, or start a device.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
Can be split: 'put it on', 'put on it'.
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Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object: 'put on a coat'.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple put on She puts on her coat before leaving.
Past Simple put on He put on a brave face despite the fear.
Present Continuous putting on They are putting on a play at school.
Present Perfect have put on I have put on weight over the holidays.

💡 When to Use

Dressing oneself
Use when someone is dressing in clothes or accessories, focusing on the action of adorning clothing.
Example: "She put on her hat before going out."
Assuming an emotion
Used to describe when someone displays or adopts an emotional facade or expression to disguise true feelings.
Example: "He put on a smile despite his worries."
Operating devices
Refers to the action of starting a machine or device, like turning on an appliance or light.
Example: "Please put on the lights when entering the room."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb tense
❌ Wrong: He puts on his jacket last night.
✅ Correct: He put on his jacket last night.
💡 Tip: Use past tense 'put on' for past actions.
Misplaced object
❌ Wrong: Put on it the table.
✅ Correct: Put it on the table.
💡 Tip: Place the object right after 'put'.
Missing object
❌ Wrong: She will put on before leaving.
✅ Correct: She will put on her coat before leaving.
💡 Tip: Remember to specify what's being put on.
Practice

PUT ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

wear donned

Antonyms

remove

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before stepping outside, she always ___ her scarf."

taking off
put on
dress
off

"To put on a brave face is to wear resilience as a shield, a testament to the human spirit's enduring strength."

In Context

In 1914, as World War I erupted, Edith Cavell, a British nurse, was stationed in Belgium. Despite the war's growing intensity, she put on her nurse's uniform and dedicated herself to saving lives. When German forces occupied Belgium, Edith daringly put on a facade of compliance while secretly helping Allied soldiers escape. Her work in the hospital was rigorous, often requiring her to put on brave resilience amidst horrors of war. Due to her actions, over 200 soldiers evaded capture, but in 1915, she was arrested by German authorities, having been betrayed. Throughout her trial, Edith continued to put on a face of calm courage. Her remarkable poise was evident as she stood before the court, unwavering in her belief that saving lives justified her actions. On October 12, 1915, she faced execution by firing squad. Her final words reflected her selfless bravery, resonating globally and immortalizing her as a symbol of humanitarian spirit. Edith Cavell's legacy endures, reminding us that sometimes, to put on courage is the most heroic act of all.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Put On

What is the origin of put on?

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The phrasal verb 'put on' originates from Old English 'puttan', meaning to cover or adorn, evolving in English to describe donning apparel.

Can put on be used in formal and informal contexts?

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Yes, 'put on' is versatile and appears in both formal contexts, like formal attire, and informal contexts, such as everyday clothing or behaviors.

What is the difference between put on and wear?

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'Put on' refers to the act of dressing, while 'wear' describes having clothing or accessories on. One 'puts on' clothes and then 'wears' them.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

put asideput downput intoput up withreach out
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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