What’s the first thing you do when you’re getting ready for a party?
You put on your fancy clothes, right? Well, guess what? In the world of English, “put on” isn’t just about clothes. Put on phrasal verb meaning changes depending on the situation. Let’s explore the different meanings of the ‘put on’ phrasal verb in the English language.
Put On Phrasal Verb Meaning And Examples
1. Put On Meaning and Examples: Clothes, Costumes, and Attitude
When you use “put on” for clothes, you’re like a fashion superstar. You’re wearing your style and showing the world who you are. So, if you’re getting dressed for a celebration, you put on your best outfit. If it’s Halloween, you might even put on a spooky costume and surprise your friends!
Example: Dressing Up for a Party
“Sarah is excited about the costume party. She decides to put on her sparkly dress, shiny shoes, and a tiara to look like a princess.”
Example: Wearing Your Favorite Clothes in Winter
“I love to put on a pair of blue jeans and black boots with my cozy, warm yellow sweater.”
2. Put On Meaning and Examples: Switching On the Power
But wait, there’s more! Imagine you’re in a dark room. What do you do? You put on the light, and suddenly, everything becomes bright and clear. So, when you want to make something work, like a TV or a computer, you put on the power to make it come alive.
Example: Turning on a Device
“After school, my daughter likes to relax and put on her tablet to watch cartoons.”
Example 2: Brightening Up a Room
“My mom instructed me to put on the lights in the hallway so that it doesn’t feel spooky when I go to grab a snack.”
3. Put On Meaning and Examples: Acting or Pretending
Now, here’s a fun twist! The phrase ‘put on’ is like to acting in a play sometimes. Imagine your favorite superhero movie. When an actor plays a superhero, they put on a cape and become a hero. Similarly, if you’re pretending to be brave or happy, you might put on a smile, even if you’re feeling a little nervous inside.
Example: Pretending to be Brave
“During the school play, Emily had to put on a brave face as she delivered her lines, even though she felt a little scared.”
Example: Playing a Role
“When we play pretend, my sister puts on her superhero cape and saves the day in her own magical world.”
4. Put On Meaning and Examples: Apply Something (Like Makeup)
Imagine you’re getting ready for a fun event, and you want to look your best. What do you do? You might put on some makeup or skincare products to enhance your appearance.
Example:
“Before going to the party, Amy and Ruby decided to put on a bit of lipstick and some glittery eyeshadow to add a touch of glamour.”
5. Put On Meaning and Examples: Organize an Event or Activity
“Put on” can also mean to organize or host an event or activity, like a show, performance, or play.
Example:
“Our art class is going to put on an amazing art show next Sunday. Everyone is eager to admire the creative masterpieces!”
6. Put On Phrasal Verb Meaning and Examples: Gain Weight
In a more casual context, “put on” can refer to gaining weight, often used when talking about someone’s physical appearance.
Example:
“During the summer vacation, Tim seemed to have put on a few pounds, probably from all those delicious ice creams.”
7. Put On Phrasal Verb Meaning and Examples: Deceive or Trick
Sometimes, “put on” can mean to deceive or trick someone by pretending or acting in a certain way.
Example:
“Lucas tried to put on a fake British accent to see if his friends would believe he was from England.”
8. Put On Phrasal Verb Meaning and Examples: Attach or Place Something
“Put on” can also mean attaching or placing something onto another object.
Example:
“My father asked me to put on the new license plate on the front of our truck.”
9. Put On Phrasal Verb Meaning and Examples: Warm Clothing
When it’s chilly outside, you might need to put on warm clothing to stay cozy.
Example:
“The breeze is getting chilly, so I think I’ll put on my cozy jacket and wrap a warm scarf around my neck.”
10. Put On Phrasal Verb Meaning and Examples: Grow or Cultivate
In a metaphorical sense, “put on” can imply growth or development.
Example:
“The little plant put on fresh and vibrant new leaves after receiving plenty of water and sunlight.”
Remember, the meaning of “put on” can change based on the context, so always pay attention to the situation to figure out its exact meaning!
Put On Phrasal Verb Example Sentences
Here are some more example sentences showcasing the various meanings of the “put on” phrasal verb. These examples will help you understand different ways to use the phrasal verb “put on”.
- She likes to put on her favorite dress and matching shoes for special occasions.
- Can you please put on the lights? It’s getting dark in here.
- After indulging in holiday treats, he seemed to have put on a few extra pounds.
- He tried to put on a tough attitude, but we all knew he was actually a kind-hearted person.
- I need to put on a new knob for the kitchen cabinet.
- The weather turned chilly, so I had to put on a sweater before heading outside.
- With proper care, the plant began to thrive and put on new leaves.
- I’m going to put on my favorite jeans and a cool T-shirt for the party.
- Can you help me put on these gloves? It’s freezing outside!
- It’s showtime! Time to put on your best acting skills for the school play.
- Mom said we can’t watch TV until we put on our chores and finish our homework.
- When I’m feeling down, I like to put on my favorite music and dance around my room.
- Even though she was nervous, she managed to put on a confident smile during the presentation.
- Before going out, she decided to put on some mascara and lipstick to enhance her look.
- The school is going to put on a talent show featuring students’ amazing performances.
Synonyms for “Put On” Phrasal Verb
Here are some synonyms for the “put on” phrasal verb, along with their meanings:
- Don: To put on or wear clothing or accessories.
- Sonia donned her favorite dress for the party.
- Wear: To have on one’s body, like clothing or accessories.
- My sister likes to wear a hat to keep the sun out of her eyes.
- Arrange: To organize or host an event or activity.
- The school arranged a science fair to showcase student projects.
- Perform: To carry out or present a show, play, or performance.
- The talented musicians performed a mesmerizing concert.
- Act: To pretend or behave in a certain way.
- She can act like a superhero whenever she plays with her friends.
- Attach: To affix or join something to another thing.
- He attached the document to the email before sending it.
- Apply: To put something onto a surface or object, often referring to substances like makeup or paint.
- She carefully applied a layer of sunscreen before going to the beach.
- Switch On: To turn on or activate a device or light source.
- He switched on the TV to watch his favorite show.
- Gather: To accumulate or collect, often referring to weight.
- Over the holidays, she seemed to have gathered a few extra pounds.
- Simulate: To imitate or mimic, often used in the context of acting or pretending.
- He tried to simulate a British accent, but it didn’t sound quite right.
Feel free to use these synonyms to add variety and depth to your language skills. Keep practicing and keep putting on your language skills like a true linguistic champion!
