Put Down vs. Put In

Attribute	Put Down	Put In
Definition	To place something on a surface or lower it from a higher position	To place something inside a container or enclosed space
Direction	Downward	Inward
Location	Outside or on top of something	Inside something
Usage	Commonly used for objects that can rest on a surface	Commonly used for objects that can fit inside a container

Definition

Put down and put in are two commonly used phrasal verbs in the English language. Put down typically means to place something on a surface or to write something down. For example, you might put down a book on the table or put down your thoughts in a journal. On the other hand, put in usually means to insert something into a particular place or to make an effort to do something. For instance, you might put in a key into a lock or put in extra hours at work.

Usage

Put down is often used in a physical sense when referring to placing objects on a surface. It can also be used figuratively when talking about criticizing or belittling someone. For example, you might put down a friend by making a sarcastic comment. Put in, on the other hand, is more commonly used when talking about making an effort or investing time and energy into something. You might put in a lot of effort to complete a project on time.

Location

Put down is typically used when referring to placing something on a surface or in a specific location. For example, you might put down a cup on the table or put down a rug on the floor. Put in, on the other hand, is used when talking about inserting something into a particular place. You might put in a new light bulb or put in a new battery.

Effort

Put down does not usually imply a significant amount of effort on the part of the person performing the action. It is a simple act of placing something in a particular location. Put in, however, often implies a considerable amount of effort or work. When you put in effort, you are dedicating time and energy to achieve a specific goal or complete a task.

Impact

Put down can have a negative connotation when used in a figurative sense to criticize or belittle someone. It can be hurtful and damaging to the person on the receiving end. Put in, on the other hand, is usually seen as a positive action that demonstrates dedication and hard work. Putting in effort is often praised and rewarded in various contexts.

Examples

• Put down: She put down her bag on the chair.
• Put down: He put down his thoughts in a journal.
• Put in: She put in extra hours to meet the deadline.
• Put in: He put in a lot of effort to finish the project on time.