The verb put means moving or placing something in a specific location or position. It is used to describe actions where an object is transferred, set, or placed somewhere. The main thing to remember is that put is an irregular verb that does not change form in the past or past participle—it is always put.
Conjugation
Here are the forms of put in different tenses with examples:
| Tense | Form | Example (English) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | put | I put the book on the table. | I put the book on the table. |
| Past Simple | put | She put the keys in her bag yesterday. | She put the keys in her bag yesterday. |
| Past Participle | put | They have put the chairs outside. | They have put the chairs outside. |
| Present Participle | putting | He is putting on his coat. | He is putting on his coat. |
She ___ the letter in the mailbox yesterday. (she put / he puts / they putting)
put
'Put' is the past simple form used here. The sentence refers to a completed action in the past, so 'puts' (present) and 'putting' (present participle) do not fit. 'Putted' and 'puted' are incorrect spellings.
Usage
Here are some common ways put is used in English:
| Usage | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Put + object + preposition | Put something somewhere | Put the milk in the fridge. |
| Put + object + preposition + object | Put something doing something | She put him in charge. |
| Put + object + adjective/noun | Make something a certain state or role | Put the window open. / Put him first. |
Which sentence correctly uses "put" to describe changing a state or role?
- Put the window open.
- Put him first.
Correct sentences use 'put' + object + adjective/noun (e.g., 'Put the window open,' 'Put him first'). Incorrect ones misuse the order ('Put open the window') or pronoun placement ('Put first him').
Examples
Here are some example sentences using put in different contexts:
| Tense | Example |
|---|---|
| Present Simple | I put my phone on the desk every morning. |
| Past Simple | You put your jacket on the chair last night. |
| Present Perfect | We have put the instructions on the board. |
| Present Participle | She is putting sugar into the tea right now. |
Practice
Try completing these sentences with the correct form of put:
- I always _ my keys in the same spot.
- Yesterday, she _ a note on the door.
- They have _ the documents on your desk.
- He is _ his shoes before going outside.
Answers:
- put
- put
- put
- putting
Flashcards (1 of 4)
- Tense: Base
- Form: put
- Example (English): I put the book on the table.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
