English Reference

Phrasal verb

put by

Definition

phrasal verb. to save money regularly so you can use it later.

phrasal verb. to save or reserve an amount of money for future use. Transitive; often implies a gradual accumulation of funds over time.

Examples

“I try to put by a little money every month for my holiday.”

“After years of putting by a portion of her salary, she finally had enough for a down payment on a house.”

“The family managed to survive the economic downturn only because they had put by significant reserves during the preceding decade of prosperity.”

Examples

simple

“I try to put by a little money every month for my holiday.”

contextual

“After years of putting by a portion of her salary, she finally had enough for a down payment on a house.”

complex

“The family managed to survive the economic downturn only because they had put by significant reserves during the preceding decade of prosperity.”

Usage

usually takes money or a specific amount as its object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'put away' and 'save up'; 'put by' specifically emphasizes the act of reserving for an uncertain future.

Pitfall

I am putting by for a new car.

I am putting money by for a new car.

the verb is transitive and usually requires an explicit object like 'money' or 'savings' to be grammatically complete.

Phrasal verb

Particles

by

Separability

optional

Pattern

put + by + object

Synonyms

saveset asideput awayreserve

Antonyms

spendwastesquander

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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