ENGLISH
REFERENCE

putting

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpətɪŋ// putting Archaic

v. to place or move something into a specific position. You use this for almost any action where you move an object from one spot to another.

v. the present participle of 'put', used to describe the act of placing or moving something into a particular position or state.


SIMPLE

She is putting the groceries on the kitchen table.

CONTEXTUAL

The workers are currently putting the finishing touches on the new bridge before the grand opening tomorrow.

COMPLEX

By putting the needs of the community ahead of personal profit, the local business owner earned a reputation for integrity that lasted for decades.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From put + -ing.

Etymology 2

From putt + -ing.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires both a direct object and a locational complement (e.g., 'putting the keys [object] on the table [location]').

Pitfall

He is puting the book away.He is putting the book away.The final 't' must be doubled when adding '-ing' to the short-vowel, single-syllable verb 'put'.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference