place vs put

Question

When do use the verb "place"? When do use "put"? I actually use both interchangeably. I'm not sure if there are certain rules to follow with their usage.

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

I think of "place" as having a great deal more precision.

I may put a book on the table, but place the vase in the center of the mantle.

CalifJim · Answer

When do use the verb "place"? When do use "put"? I actually use both interchangeably.

I'll bet if you think about it, you'll see that you don't really use them interchangeably.

None of the idiomatic uses of put, including phrasal verbs, can be replaced by place, for example.

*I simply will not place up with this nonsense!
*The teacher just could not place his point across.
*That exam really placed the students through the mill.
*OK, kids -- you've finished playing with these toys, and it's time to place them away.
*Peter hit the ball so hard that he knew immediately that he had placed it over the fence.
*"Place that in your pipe and smoke it!"
*That can't be true. You're placing me on.
*Taking it apart was easy. Now I've got to place it back together.

And the reverse is true.

*Larry put first in the competition yesterday.
*Where is the key? I must have misput it.
____

It seems to me, in agreement with GG, that placing is a careful putting, usually onto a flat horizontal surface. place is a higher register verb than put, which is pretty lowly as verbs go.

I wouldn't normally place things in the refrigerator or in the car or in the sink or through a loop or across the bed or together with other things.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Can i use this verb like that ,

I m going to place the parts into special wooden boxes

thank you for your help

place vs put

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions