1 B2 formal
To formally present a proposal, case, or question to a group or authority for consideration.
"The board decided to put the merger proposal before shareholders at the annual meeting."
inseparable
put before
B2 formal inseparable transitive
To formally present something (a proposal, question, or case) to a person or group for consideration or judgment.
In plain English
To give something to a person or group so they can decide about it or think about it carefully.
What does "put before" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To prioritize one thing over another; to place something in a higher position of importance.
"A good leader puts the welfare of the team before their own personal ambitions."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something physically in front of someone.
Actually means
To give something to a person or group so they can decide about it or think about it carefully.
Usage tip
Used in formal, legal, parliamentary, and business contexts. The object is typically a proposal, motion, case, or question. Common in British English official language.
Words that pair with "put before"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
committee court parliament board jury council
How to conjugate "put before"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
put before
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts before
he/she/it
Past simple
put before
yesterday
Past participle
put before
have + pp
-ing form
putting before
continuous
Hear "put before" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "put before" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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