Phrasal verb
put on
Meanings
to place clothing, shoes, or an accessory on your body; to dress in something
to start or present something for people to watch or listen to, such as music, a movie, or a show
to pretend or exaggerate feelings, behavior, or an attitude (often to trick, impress, or tease someone)
Definition
To put on usually means to place clothing or an accessory on your body.
To put on means to dress yourself in something, like a jacket, shoes, or glasses. It can also mean to start a device or performance, such as playing music or presenting a show. In some contexts, it means to pretend or exaggerate an emotion or behavior to fool or tease someone.
Examples
- I put on my jacket before I went outside.
- Could you put on some music while we cook?
- He put on a cheerful smile even though he was tired.
- She put on her headphones and started cleaning the house.
- They put on a short play for their friends at the picnic.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "put on" (start wearing) with "wear" (already have on) and say "I am putting on a jacket" when they mean they are already wearing it.
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.