Phrasal verb
put it down
Meanings
to place something you are holding onto a surface
to write something down; to record information in writing
Definition
To put it down means to stop holding something and place it on a surface.
To put it down usually means to place something you are holding onto a table, floor, or another surface. People often say it when they want someone to stop carrying or using an object for a moment. It can also mean to write information on paper or in a document.
Examples
- I had to put it down because the box was too heavy.
- Could you put it down on the table for a second?
- He put it down carefully on the shelf so it wouldn’t fall.
- She put it down in her notebook so she wouldn’t forget.
- They put it down on the bench and took a short break.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say “put down it” instead of the correct word order “put it down.”
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.