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There are many definitions and phrasal verbs for the word “Put”. Read all of the definitions first; then,
complete the exercises. Each phrasal verb is my estimated frequency as well. Green=high,
Yellow=average, and Red=low so that you know where to concentrate effort. After reading and thinking
about each of the examples, try to do the practice. Remember that some phrasal verbs can be separated
and/ or use the object pronoun.

Put:

1. to move or place (anything) into or out of a specific location

Ex. I asked him to put the pen on the table.

2. To set to a duty or task for someone

EX. As soon as I got home, my father put me to work.

3. To express or state
Ex. I tried to put it mildly/gently, but I think I still hurt her feelings.

4. To set, give, or make

Ex. We need to put an end/stop to violence and corruption in this world.

5. To propose or submit for feedback

Ex. Next week, we should put the question in front of the committee.

6. To impose
Ex. In Boston, they put a tax on tea.

Phrasal Verbs: This is not a full list but some of the most commonly used ones.

Put aside: store or save for a later time Put away: store or save for a later time

Put away: finish off, eat or drink a lot Put away: confined in jail

Put down: write down Put down: to be included in a list

Put down: suppress or insult Put down: pay as a deposit

Put down: to kill, out of necessity, an animal Put away: to kill (usually a person)

Put it to (someone): make difficult for someone.

Now practice:

1. When I was a kid, I used to throw water balloons at my neighbors, but my mom ____ _____ _____
_____ _____ as soon as she found out. Nowadays, I’ve learned to _____ _____ childish actions.
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2. I tried to _____ ______ ______, but it’s always hard breaking up with someone. It’s kind of like
______ ______ an animal; there’s just no easy way.

3. Tomorrow, we’ll _____ that question to the board. For now, let’s just ______ ______ ______.

4. My wife loves to ______ _______ ________ work every chance she gets! And when the job isn’t done
right, she even ______ ______ _______!

5. In Florida, they are trying to ______ a levy on transportation. They are really trying to _____ _____
____ us! How will I ever ____ _____ money on a new car?!

6. I needed to _____ _______ some of my thoughts, but I forgot where I _____ my pens! If someone
stole them, they’ll be _____ _____ for that!

7. My friend asked me to R.S.V.P. for his birthday party so that he can plan how much food to serve. So, I
said, “Sure! ____ _____ _____ for four.” I’m actually only bringing my brother, but he can really ____
_____ _____ when it comes to pizza!
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Key:

1a. put a stop to it or put an end to it 1b. put away

2a. put it mildly or put it gently (note that we can say to her/him after it) 2b. putting down (note
that the animal could be placed in between putting and down, i.e. “Putting” an animal “down.”

3a. put 3b. put it aside

4a. put me to 4b. puts me down

5a. put 5b. put it to 5c. put down

6a. put down 6b. put 6c. put away

7a. put me down 7b. put it away