English learners often stumble over “putted or put”, wondering which form is correct. It’s a simple verb, but irregular verbs can be tricky.
This guide dives deep into the grammar, history, and common mistakes surrounding “put,” helping you master its correct usage with confidence.
Quick Answer: It’s Always “Put”
When it comes to the verb “to put”, the past tense is always “put”. Unlike regular verbs, it doesn’t change its form in past, present, or future.
Examples:
- I put the keys on the table yesterday.
- She put her bag in the closet last night.
- They have put their trust in him.
Notice how “put” stays the same, even in past or perfect tense. Many learners instinctively say “putted”, thinking it should follow the regular “-ed” rule, but this is incorrect in standard English.
The Exception: When “Putted” Is Actually Correct
The only situation where “putted” is correct is in golf terminology.
Explanation:
- In golf, “to putt” means hitting the ball lightly toward the hole on the green.
- Its past tense becomes “putted” because the verb “putt” is distinct from “put”.
Example:
- He putted the ball into the hole in one stroke.
Outside of golf, using “putted” will be seen as a grammatical mistake.
Understanding Irregular Verbs
English has many irregular verbs that don’t follow the standard “-ed” past tense rule. “Put” belongs to this category.
Other similar irregular verbs:
| Verb | Present | Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|---|
| cut | cut | cut | cut |
| hit | hit | hit | hit |
| let | let | let | let |
| put | put | put | put |
Why it matters: Learners often overgeneralize rules, saying “putted” like they do with regular verbs such as “walk → walked.” Recognizing irregular patterns helps you avoid these mistakes.
Grammar Deep Dive: Conjugating “Put” Across All Tenses
Here’s a detailed look at how “put” works in English grammar:
| Tense | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Present Simple | I put the book on the shelf. |
| Past Simple | Yesterday, I put the book on the shelf. |
| Present Perfect | I have put the book on the shelf. |
| Past Perfect | I had put the book on the shelf before he arrived. |
| Future Simple | I will put the book on the shelf tomorrow. |
| Future Perfect | By tomorrow, I will have put the book on the shelf. |
Notice how “put” remains unchanged in most forms. This consistency makes it easier to remember than many other verbs.
Why Learners Often Say “Putted” by Mistake
Overregularization is a common reason learners incorrectly say “putted”. People often apply standard grammar rules too broadly:
- English verbs usually form the past tense with “-ed”.
- “Put” breaks this rule, causing confusion.
Common errors:
- ❌ I putted the keys on the table.
- ❌ She putted her bag in the closet.
Correct usage:
- ✅ I put the keys on the table.
- ✅ She put her bag in the closet.
Tip: If a verb sounds familiar with an “-ed” ending, double-check its irregular forms in a dictionary.
How “Put” Works in Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
“Put” appears in many idioms and phrasal verbs, where the past tense still remains put.
Examples:
- Put off – delay or postpone
- He put off the meeting until next week.
- Put up with – tolerate
- She put up with loud neighbors for years.
- Put aside – save or reserve
- I put aside money for emergencies.
- Put forward – propose or suggest
- They put forward a new plan at the meeting.
Tip: In every case, don’t add “-ed”. The past tense stays put.
The Etymology: How “Put” Evolved from Old English
The verb “put” originates from Old English “putian”, meaning “to put, place, or set.”
Key facts:
- The verb has remained unchanged for centuries.
- Related verbs exist in other Germanic languages:
- Dutch: putten
- German: putzen (similar but with extended meaning)
Its unchanging past tense is a historical relic that has survived English language evolution, which explains why “put” doesn’t become “putted.”
Expert Opinions and Dictionary Evidence
Leading dictionaries confirm that “putted” is incorrect in general English:
- Merriam-Webster: “The past tense of put is put. ‘Putted’ is only used in golf.”
- Oxford English Dictionary: “Put remains the same in past, past participle, and present forms.”
- Cambridge Dictionary: “Put does not change for tense; avoid ‘putted’ outside golf contexts.”
This consistency shows that correct usage is well-established and widely recognized by experts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
English learners often slip when using “put” in everyday sentences.
Common mistakes:
- ❌ I putted my phone on the table.
- ❌ She putted the groceries in the fridge.
- ❌ They putted their trust in him.
Quick tips to avoid mistakes:
- Memorize that “put” is irregular and unchanging.
- Use a dictionary for tricky verbs.
- Remember the golf exception, and nothing else.
Mini Cheat Sheet:
| Verb Form | Correct Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Present | put | I put my bag on the chair. |
| Past | put | Yesterday, I put my bag on the chair. |
| Golf Past | putted | He putted the ball into the hole. Only golf. |
Fun Facts About “Put”
- High frequency: “Put” is among the most commonly used verbs in English, appearing in thousands of books and articles.
- Idioms galore: Over 30 common idioms and phrasal verbs use put, like put the blame on, put your foot down, or put your mind to it.
- Literary usage: Classic authors like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen used “put” frequently, showcasing its versatility.
- Cross-linguistic fun: In some languages, the equivalent of “put” does change tense, highlighting English’s unique irregularity.
FAQs
Is “putted” ever correct?
Yes, only in golf, when referring to striking a ball lightly toward the hole.
Why do people say “putted” instead of “put”?
Learners often overgeneralize the “-ed” rule for past tense verbs, leading to mistakes.
Does “put” change in idioms or phrasal verbs?
No, the past tense remains put in all idioms and phrasal verbs.
How can I remember the past tense of “put”?
Think of it as irregular, like cut or hit. Practice using it in sentences to reinforce memory.
Are there other verbs like “put”?
Yes, verbs like cut, hit, let, and set also remain unchanged in past tense.
Conclusion
The past tense of “to put” is almost always “put”.
Remember, “putted” is only correct in golf. Understanding irregular verbs, phrasal verbs, and idioms will help you avoid mistakes and speak English more naturally.
By practicing real examples and memorizing patterns, you can confidently use put in any context without second-guessing.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.