Quick Definition
Put On — To place clothing on your body; to start a device; to gain weight; to organise an event.
Meanings of Put On
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Wear clothing | Put on your coat — it's cold outside. | Wear your coat. |
| Start a device/music | She put on her favourite playlist. | She started playing the music. |
| Gain weight | He put on five kilograms over Christmas. | He gained weight. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Put on your coat — it's cold outside. | Wear your coat. |
| She put on her favourite playlist. | She started playing the music. |
| He put on five kilograms over Christmas. | He gained weight. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll put on it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive
Transitive and separable: put your shoes on or put on your shoes. Pronoun before particle: put them on.
How to Use Put On
Neutral. All meanings are common in everyday speech.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Put on your coat — it's cold outside. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Put On
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Put On
What does "Put On" mean?
"Put On" means: To place clothing on your body; to start a device; to gain weight; to organise an event. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Put On" separable or inseparable?
"Put On" is separable. Transitive and separable: put your shoes on or put on your shoes. Pronoun before particle: put them on.
How do I use "Put On" in a sentence?
Put on your coat — it's cold outside. -- in this example, 'Put On' means wear your coat.
What is the register of "Put On"?
Neutral. All meanings are common in everyday speech.
What CEFR level is "Put On"?
"Put On" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Put On" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Put On" specifically means: To place clothing on your body; to start a device; to gain weight; to organise an event. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Put On" be used formally?
Neutral. All meanings are common in everyday speech. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Put On" take an object?
"Put On" is transitive. Transitive and separable: put your shoes on or put on your shoes. Pronoun before particle: put them on.
How can I practise "Put On"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Put On' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Put On" used in British or American English?
"Put On" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. All meanings are common in everyday speech.