Phrasal verb
put together
Meanings
To assemble something by joining parts or pieces.
To create or prepare something by organizing information, ideas, or materials.
To combine items to make a set, outfit, or collection that works well together.
Definition
To put together means to assemble or create something by combining parts or ideas.
To put together is used when you assemble something from separate pieces or organize elements into a finished form. It can refer to building a physical object, preparing an outfit or meal, or creating a plan, message, or presentation. It often suggests making something complete, clear, or workable.
Examples
- I put together the desk in under an hour.
- You put together a clear email that answered everyone’s questions.
- She put together a simple dinner with what she had in the fridge.
- They put together a playlist for the road trip.
Common mistake
Learners often say "put it together" when they mean "understand"; for that meaning, use "put it together" only in contexts of realizing a conclusion, not assembling or creating.
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.