Meaning
To dress oneself or an object with clothing, accessories, makeup, weight (gain), or to start/display something like a performance.
Primary Function
Transitive phrasal verb indicating addition or application onto someone/something.
Communicative Purpose
Describing actions such as getting dressed, gaining weight, applying makeup, pretending, or activating devices.
Pattern
put ; on
Core Structure
put ; on
Função primária
Transitive phrasal verb indicating addition or application onto someone/something.
Propósito comunicativo
Describing actions such as getting dressed, gaining weight, applying makeup, pretending, or activating devices.
Situações de gatilho
Getting dressed, discussing health/weight changes, theatre performances, turning on lights/devices.
Contextos
Everyday conversation, medical discussions, theatrical settings, technical instructions.
Padrão
put ; on
Estrutura central
put ; on
Slots de substituição
clothes, lipstick, five kilos, a brave face, the kettle
Colocados típicos
- weight
- a show
- a coat
- music
Substituições comuns
- don (formal)
- apply (makeup)
- gain (for weight only)
Erros comuns
Forgetting to split pronouns correctly (*must say ‘She puts it on’ not *‘She put on it’); confusing with similar verb ‘wear’ which indicates being dressed in.
Similar / contraste
take off (remove), try on (test fit).
Interferências
Romance languages often use reflexive forms for dressing; English uses the separable pattern without a reflexive pronoun.
Família do chunk
- put-on (noun
- deception)
Nuance
'Put on weight' means gaining mass, while 'put on an accent' or 'pretend' implies feigning behavior or affect.
Efeito pragmático
Conveys practical actions and social intentions clearly—e.g., indicating readiness to perform or display something.
Dica de memória
"She put her coat on."
Nota
This phrasal verb is separable and can be used with various types of objects, from clothing to abstract concepts like a performance or attitude.
Upgrade path
put on airs (act superior)
Log in to save chunks.