# put up with

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/put-up-with
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to accept an annoying person or situation without complaining.

For teachers: to tolerate something or someone unpleasant without protest; transitive phrasal verb.

## Examples

- I can't put up with this noise anymore.
- She puts up with her roommate's messy habits because the rent is cheap.
- Having put up with years of bureaucratic delays, the villagers finally built the well themselves.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I can't put her up with." but "I can't put up with her." — the object must come after the complete phrasal verb; particles stay together.

## Usage notes

- object always follows the full phrasal verb; never split 'put up with'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'tolerate' (more formal) and 'stand' (often in negative: 'can't stand'); 'put up with' is neutral and everyday.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.