put in
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle in
Meanings
Install something
Why “in”? Walls close around something. What is in is held inside.
“We put in a new kitchen last year.”
“They put in a new shower before summer.”
“The landlord finally put in a dishwasher.”
Invest time or effort
Why “in”? You step inside the circle. To be in is to belong or take part.
“She put in twelve hours of work.”
“He put in real effort before the exam.”
“They put in months of training for the marathon.”
Don't confuse with
Put in means install something. Put out means extinguish a fire or light.
Test yourself
“We put in a new kitchen last year.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
put out
A contrast learners often mix up
Extinguish a fire or light; Publish or broadcast; Inconvenience someone
bask in
Same in pattern: inside
Take great pleasure in attention, success or warmth
be in
Same in pattern: inside
Be present at home or at work
blend in
Same in pattern: inclusion
Look or behave like the people around you
box in
Same in pattern: inside
Surround tightly with little room
breathe in
Same in pattern: inside
Inhale air
bring in
Same in pattern: inclusion
Introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation; Earn money for a person or business; Introduce a new law, system or rule; Deliver a verdict in a court
build in
Same in pattern: inside
Include something as a permanent part of a design
Practice “put in” in Sink In
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