Commonly confused
Put up vs Put down
“Put up” and “Put down” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.
The key difference
Put up means provide accommodation. Put down means place on a surface.
put up
- 1
Raise or lift
“Put your hands up.”
- 2
Provide accommodation
“Can you put me up for the night?”
- 3
Tolerate (put up with)
“I can't put up with the noise.”
put down
- 1
Place on a surface
“Put the box down on the table.”
- 2
Insult or belittle someone
“Stop putting yourself down.”
- 3
Euthanize an animal
“The vet had to put the dog down.”
Stop mixing them up
Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.