Phrasal verb
put in
Meanings
to spend time or effort doing work or trying to achieve something
to place something into a particular position or install it
to officially submit or enter something (such as a request, application, or order)
Definition
“Put in” most commonly means to spend time or effort on a task or activity.
“Put in” is often used to talk about investing time, effort, or work into something. It suggests active contribution, usually over a period of time, to achieve a result. It can also mean to place something into a position or to make an official request or entry.
Examples
- I put in extra hours to finish the presentation.
- She put in a request for a day off next month.
- They put in new shelves in the garage over the weekend.
- We put in a lot of effort, but the project still needs more testing.
Common mistake
Learners often say “put on” or “put into” when they mean “put in” for spending time or effort (e.g., “put in the hours”).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.