Put Down – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever set your coffee cup on the table, made a rude comment about someone’s idea, or paid a deposit on a new apartment? In English, all of these actions can be described with the phrase put down! This versatile phrasal verb has three common meanings: (1) to place something on a surface, (2) to say something unkind or critical about someone, and (3) to pay a portion of money upfront as a deposit.

What Does “Put Down” Mean?

“Put down” can mean different things depending on context:
1. To place something on a surface—like putting down your bag or a book.
2. To criticize or insult someone—often in a subtle or public way.
3. To pay a deposit—like putting down $500 to reserve a car or apartment.
Think of it like setting something down—whether it’s a physical object, a harsh word, or money. The meaning changes with the situation, but the phrase stays the same.

When to Use It

Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations:
• For placing items: “Please put your phone down during dinner.”
• For criticism: “Don’t put her down just because she made a mistake.”
• For deposits: “We put down a deposit on the wedding venue.”
It’s widely used in everyday English—just pay attention to the context to know which meaning fits!

Example Sentences

  • He put down his keys and sighed—he’d had a long day.
  • She felt hurt when her boss put her down in front of the team.
  • We put down $1,000 to secure the lease.
  • Stop putting yourself down—you’re doing great!

Mini Dialogue

Alex: “Did you get the apartment?”

Jamie: “Yes! We put down a deposit this morning.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t confuse the meanings. “Put down” for criticism is negative; for placing items, it’s neutral; for deposits, it’s financial. Also, avoid using it for permanent payments—“put down” implies a partial or initial payment.

❌ Don’t say: “I put down the whole price of the laptop.” (Use “paid” instead.)
✅ Do say: “I put down $200 to reserve it.”

Practice Tip

Next time you place an object, pay a deposit, or hear someone being criticized, notice which “put down” is being used. Then try it yourself: “I’ll put down the groceries” or “Don’t put her down.” It’s a natural way to master this flexible phrase!

Final Note

Now you can use “put down” in all its forms—with confidence and clarity! Whether you’re setting something down, standing up for someone, or securing a deal, this phrase has you covered. Keep practicing—and remember, context is your guide!

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