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put in

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To add something, to spend time or effort on something, or to ask for something officially.

Literal meaning: To place something inside something else.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To install a piece of equipment or system.

"We're having new double-glazed windows put in next week."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral

To spend time or effort on something.

"You can see the quality of his work — he really puts in the hours."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To formally request or apply for something (often 'put in for').

"She's put in for a transfer to the Edinburgh branch."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 neutral

To say something, often briefly, as part of a conversation.

"'I think we need more data before deciding,' he put in quietly."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very high-frequency phrasal verb with multiple common senses. 'Put in the hours/work/effort' is a common collocation. 'Put in for' (apply for) is especially common in British English. 'Put in' for installing is a natural informal alternative to 'install.'

Commonly used with

hours effort work request bid heating word

Forms

Base
put in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts in
he/she/it
Past simple
put in
yesterday
Past participle
put in
have + pp
-ing form
putting in
continuous

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