PUT ON is an essential phrasal verb for daily life — you put on clothes, shoes, makeup, music, and more every single day.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
Stress falls on ON:
- put = less stressed
- ON = main stress (louder, longer)
Say: "put ON" not "PUT on"
Connected Speech
The /t/ at the end of "put" links to the vowel /ɑː/ in "on":
- Written: put on
- Sounds like: "pu-TON" /pʊˈtɑːn/
With Objects
The /ʊ/ Vowel in "Put"
"Put" has the short /ʊ/ vowel — the same sound as "book" and "look." This is NOT the long /uː/ (as in "boot").
How to make /ʊ/:
- Lips slightly rounded (but less than /uː/)
- Tongue high and back (but more relaxed than /uː/)
- Short duration
Multiple Meanings
1. Wear clothing
2. Apply (makeup, cream)
3. Start playing (music, TV)
4. Gain (weight)
5. Pretend (put on an act)
Separable Verb
PUT ON is separable:
- ✅ "Put on your coat."
- ✅ "Put your coat on."
- ✅ "Put it on." (with pronouns, must separate)
PUT ON vs. TAKE OFF
These are opposites:
| Action | Phrasal Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dress | put on | Put on your shoes |
| Undress | take off | Take off your shoes |
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. The /ʊ/ vowel
Don't say "poot" with a long /uː/. The vowel in "put" is short and relaxed.
2. Aspirated /p/
English /p/ at the start of stressed syllables has aspiration (puff of air).
3. Not linking
Link the /t/ to the vowel: "pu-TON," not "put... on."
Practice Sentences
- "Put ON your hat." → /pʊˈtɑːn jɔːr hæt/
- "She put ON lipstick." → /ʃi pʊt ˈɑːn ˈlɪpstɪk/
- "Put it ON!" → /ˈpʊtɪˈtɑːn/
- "I'm putting ON weight." → /aɪm ˈpʊtɪŋ ˈɑːn weɪt/
Common Expressions
Quick Summary
- Stress on ON: put ON
- Link /t/ to vowel: "pu-TON" /pʊˈtɑːn/
- Use short /ʊ/ in "put" (not long /uː/)
- Separable: "put it on"
- Opposite of TAKE OFF
Next: How to pronounce WORK OUT.