Quick Definition
Put Up With — To tolerate an unpleasant situation or person without complaining.
Meanings of Put Up With
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerate | I can't put up with this noise any longer. | I can't tolerate it. |
| Accept reluctantly | She put up with his bad habits for years. | She tolerated them unwillingly. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| I can't put up with this noise any longer. | I can't tolerate it. |
| She put up with his bad habits for years. | She tolerated them unwillingly. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll put up with it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to put up with the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: transitive
Three-part inseparable phrasal verb. Object always follows 'with': put up with the noise. Cannot be split.
How to Use Put Up With
Neutral to informal. Common in both speech and writing. Formal equivalent: 'tolerate' or 'endure'.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | I can't put up with this noise any longer. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Put Up With
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Put Up With
What does "Put Up With" mean?
"Put Up With" means: To tolerate an unpleasant situation or person without complaining. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B2.
Is "Put Up With" separable or inseparable?
"Put Up With" is inseparable. Three-part inseparable phrasal verb. Object always follows 'with': put up with the noise. Cannot be split.
How do I use "Put Up With" in a sentence?
I can't put up with this noise any longer. -- in this example, 'Put Up With' means i can't tolerate it.
What is the register of "Put Up With"?
Neutral to informal. Common in both speech and writing. Formal equivalent: 'tolerate' or 'endure'.
What CEFR level is "Put Up With"?
"Put Up With" is typically taught at CEFR B2 — Upper Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Put Up With" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Put Up With" specifically means: To tolerate an unpleasant situation or person without complaining. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Put Up With" be used formally?
Neutral to informal. Common in both speech and writing. Formal equivalent: 'tolerate' or 'endure'. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Put Up With" take an object?
"Put Up With" is transitive. Three-part inseparable phrasal verb. Object always follows 'with': put up with the noise. Cannot be split.
How can I practise "Put Up With"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Put Up With' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Put Up With" used in British or American English?
"Put Up With" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to informal. Common in both speech and writing. Formal equivalent: 'tolerate' or 'endure'.