Put Stock In – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever heard a rumor and thought, “I don’t put any stock in that,” or listened to a mentor’s advice because you really trust them? In English, put stock in means to believe in, trust, or consider something important or reliable. It’s often used to show whether you take an idea, opinion, or prediction seriously—or not at all.
What Does “Put Stock In” Mean?
“Put stock in” means to place trust, belief, or value in someone or something. Think of “stock” like investment: if you put stock in an idea, you’re “investing” your trust in it. If you don’t, you’re saying it’s not worth your belief. The phrase is almost always used in the negative (“I don’t put stock in that”) or with qualifiers (“I rarely put stock in gossip”).
When to Use It
Use “put stock in” in reflective, skeptical, or advisory conversations:
• When dismissing rumors or myths: “I don’t put stock in horoscopes.”
• When expressing trust in someone: “I put a lot of stock in her judgment.”
• In discussions about credibility: “He puts too much stock in what strangers say online.”
It’s neutral—common in speaking, writing, and thoughtful dialogue. Avoid it in very casual texts (like “lol” chats), but it’s perfect for showing discernment.
Example Sentences
- I don’t put any stock in those celebrity gossip sites.
- She’s been right before—so I put stock in what she says.
- Don’t put too much stock in first impressions; people surprise you.
- My dad always said, “Never put stock in flattery.”
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “This blog says eating chocolate cures stress!”
Jamie: “Come on—you don’t really put stock in that, do you?”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “put stock in” with “invest in” (financial) or “believe” (general). “Put stock in” specifically implies personal trust or weight given to an opinion, prediction, or source. Also, always use the full phrase—never “put stock” alone or “put stock on.”
❌ Don’t say: “I put stock that he’s lying.”
✅ Do say: “I don’t put stock in what he says.”
✅ Do say: “She puts a lot of stock in her grandmother’s advice.”
Practice Tip
Next time you hear a prediction, rumor, or piece of advice, ask yourself: “Do I put stock in this?” Then say it out loud: “I don’t put stock in rumors” or “I really put stock in her opinion.” Using the phrase builds thoughtful, fluent English.
Final Note
Now you can use “put stock in” to express trust or skepticism with precision—just like native speakers do. It’s a phrase full of wisdom, used when people decide what (or who) deserves their belief. Keep listening for it in interviews, debates, and honest advice. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people choose what to believe. Keep going—you’ve got this!