English Phrasal Verb: To Put Down

To place something you have been carrying on a surface
To write something
To make a first payment or a deposit on something
To end the life of an animal because it is very sick or injured
To criticize someone publicly
To put a baby to bed

To Put Down

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Example Sentences for the English Phrasal Verb Put Down

1. Make sure you put down as much detail as you can in your written descriptions.
2. He knew putting the dog down was the kindest thing to do, but it didn’t make it any easier.
3. Lucy put the baby down for a nap and was able to relax for a few minutes.
4. Can I put down some money on the sofa, then pay it off month by month?
5. When writing a resume it is important to put down your full employment history.

The English phrasal verb, to put down, is transitive and separable.

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English Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be extremely tricky for learners of English. The reason for this is twofold: there are lots of them and their meaning is not always obvious from the words that make them up. To make things even more difficult, phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings, adding to the headache for learners.

A phrasal verb is made up of a main verb with an attached preposition or adverb. An example of a phrasal verb is run into. Where run is the main verb and into is the preposition. Phrasal verbs can be separated into two groups, intransitive and transitive verbs. Intransitive phrasal verbs do not have a direct object: go out, for example, "I want to go out tonight". Transitive phrasal verbs have a direct object and they can be split up into two further categories: separable and inseparable. With separable transitive phrasal verbs, the verb and the preposition can be split up. For example, both “turn off the radio” and “turn the radio off” are both correct. Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split up. For example, “I’ll look after you” is correct, but “I’ll look you after” is not.

Using Storyboard That you can prepare a visual dictionary of phrasal verbs quickly and easily. Even better than that, have your students create their own phrasal verb visual definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions about English Phrasal Verb: To Put Down

What does 'put down' mean?

'Put down' is a phrasal verb that means to place something on a surface or to stop holding it. It can also mean to insult someone or to write something down.

Can 'put down' have more than one meaning?

Yes, 'put down' can mean to place an object somewhere, to write something on paper, or to say something unkind about someone.

How do you use 'put down' in a sentence?

You can use 'put down' in a sentence like: She put down her bag on the table. or He put me down in front of everyone.

What is the difference between 'put down' and 'set down'?

Both 'put down' and 'set down' can mean to place something somewhere, but 'put down' is more common in everyday speech, while 'set down' can sound more formal.

Why is it important for students to understand phrasal verbs like 'put down'?

Phrasal verbs like 'put down' are used often in English conversation and writing. Understanding them helps students communicate more naturally and understand native speakers better.