ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put sth on

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. to start wearing something, like clothes, glasses, or makeup.

phr. v.. to place an item of clothing, an accessory, or a cosmetic product onto one's body.


SIMPLE

I put on my coat before I leave.

CONTEXTUAL

It's cold outside, so you should put on a warm sweater and a hat.

COMPLEX

Before addressing the assembly, the chancellor ceremoniously put on the heavy robes of office that symbolized her authority.

Particles
on
Separability
separable
Pattern
put + on + object
Usage

The object is typically an item of clothing, makeup, or an accessory.

Teaching tip

Contrast the action 'put on' with the state 'wear'; learners often confuse 'I'm putting on a coat' (the action) with 'I'm wearing a coat' (the state).

Pitfall

He put on it.He put it on.When the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.

© 2026 English Reference