1 B1 idiomatic informal
To tell someone about a useful person, resource, or idea.
"My neighbor put me on to a plumber who charges very reasonable prices."
separable
put someone on to
B1 informal separable transitive
To connect a person with another person, resource, or lead that can help them.
In plain English
To tell someone about a useful contact, idea, or thing, or to connect them directly with someone who can help.
What does "put someone on to" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To transfer a phone call so someone speaks with a different person.
"I'll put you on to our accounts department — they'll be able to help with your invoice."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To direct the attention of police or investigators to a suspect or lead.
"A witness put the investigators on to the real culprit."
separable
Usage tip
Very common in everyday British and American English. The object is always a person, and the thing they are put onto follows: 'put me on to a great mechanic.' Also used literally when connecting phone calls.
Words that pair with "put someone on to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
contact mechanic supplier doctor lead specialist
How to conjugate "put someone on to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
put someone on to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts someone on to
he/she/it
Past simple
put someone on to
yesterday
Past participle
put someone on to
have + pp
-ing form
putting someone on to
continuous
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