This study material will help you learn to use collocations with “put” fluently in your speaking and writing. At the end of the presentation, you can test your knowledge with two quizzes of varying difficulty.
Collocations with the word “put” are essential in American English, because they help us convey precise meanings and sound natural in our expressions. Collocations are word combinations that commonly occur together and have become conventionalized in a language. When learning a language, understanding and using collocations appropriately is crucial for effective communication and fluency. Collocations with “put” are significant in American English for the following reasons:
Idiomatic expressions: Many collocations with “put” have idiomatic meanings that cannot be deduced from the individual words. For example, “put up with” means to tolerate or endure, and “put on” can mean to wear clothes. Learning these expressions helps learners avoid literal translations and sound more like native speakers.
Natural fluency: Native speakers use collocations effortlessly, making their language sound more natural and fluid. Understanding and incorporating collocations into speech helps language learners achieve a similar level of fluency and authenticity.
Avoiding awkwardness: Misusing collocations can lead to awkward or confusing sentences. For instance, saying “put an appointment” instead of “schedule an appointment” may be grammatically correct, but it sounds odd to native speakers. Learning the appropriate collocations helps learners avoid such pitfalls.
Effective communication: Using common collocations allows learners to express themselves more precisely and efficiently. Native speakers are accustomed to these phrases, and using them helps ensure that the intended message is understood accurately.
Cultural understanding: Collocations often reflect cultural nuances and preferences in language use. Learning these phrases provides insights into the culture and mindset of the native speakers.
Enhanced vocabulary: Familiarizing yourself with collocations expands your vocabulary and improves your understanding of how words interact in a sentence.
For example, some common collocations with “put” in American English include “put in effort,” “put up a fight,” “put off” (delay), “put forward” (propose), “put together” (assemble), “put down” (criticize), and many more.
Mastering collocations with “put” and other key verbs is crucial for effective communication, fluency, and natural-sounding speech in American English. You can build your understanding and fine-tune your usage of collocations by exposing yourself to materials like movies, TV shows, books, and by having conversations with native speakers. Notice how “put” is combined with different words and incorporate these combinations naturally into your own English use. Practice and exposure will lead to mastering collocations and becoming a fluent English speaker.