Many English learners feel confused about putted or put because both words look similar. When students learn that past tense usually adds “-ed,” they often write putted without thinking. However, English grammar does not accept this form.
Only one word is correct, and that word is put. This mistake appears in school writing, exams, and daily conversation. Therefore, it is important to understand the rule clearly. In this article, you will learn the correct form in very easy language. You will also see simple examples and clear explanations. By the end, you will never feel confused about putted or put again.
The Simple and Clear Answer
The rule is very easy.
Put = correct Putted = incorrect
English does not use putted as the past tense of put. So whenever you talk about the past, you still use put.
Why “Put” Is Correct
The verb put is an irregular verb. Irregular verbs do not follow the normal “add -ed” rule. Most regular verbs form the past tense by adding “-ed.” For example:
- Walk becomes walked
- Play becomes played
- Jump becomes jumped
However, irregular verbs change in different ways. Some verbs change completely, like:
- Go becomes went
- Eat becomes ate
On the other hand, some irregular verbs do not change at all. The verb put is one of them.
Here are its forms:
Present: put Past: put Past participle: put
As you can see, the word stays the same.
Why “Putted” Is Wrong
Many learners believe that every verb needs “-ed” in the past tense. Because of this idea, they create the word putted. However, standard English grammar does not allow this form. Native speakers never use “putted” when they talk about placing something somewhere.
If you write “putted” in an exam, teachers may mark it wrong. Therefore, you should avoid it completely.
Meaning of Put in Simple Words
The word put means to place something somewhere. It also means to move something into a position.
For example:
- To put a book on the table
- To put keys in a pocket
- To put clothes in a cupboard
All these actions use the verb put.
Examples in Present Tense
Here are some easy sentences in present tense:
I put my phone on the desk. She put the glass on the table. They put their shoes outside.
Even if the action already happened, the verb still looks the same.
Examples in Past Tense
Now look carefully at past tense examples. Notice that the word does not change.
Situation: Yesterday Correct form: I put the keys in my bag. Incorrect form: I putted the keys in my bag.
Situation: Last night Correct form: She put the baby to sleep. Incorrect form: She putted the baby to sleep.
Situation: Earlier today Correct form: They put the chairs in the room. Incorrect form: They putted the chairs in the room.
In every example, “put” remains the correct choice.
Using Put in Questions
You can also use put in questions.
Where did you put my book? Why did she put the money there? When did they put the sign outside?
Notice something important. We use “did” in questions, but the main verb stays in base form. So we say “put,” not “putted.”
Using Put in Negative Sentences
Negative sentences follow the same rule.
I did not put the file on the table. She did not put sugar in the tea. They did not put the box inside.
Again, we never add “-ed.”
Put as Past Participle
The past participle form is also “put.”
I have put the dishes away. She has put the baby to bed. They have put their bags down.
The word never changes, so the rule stays simple.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Many students make small grammar mistakes. Let us understand them clearly.
First mistake: Adding “-ed” automatically Wrong: He putted the book on the shelf. Right: He put the book on the shelf.
Second mistake: Thinking every verb changes Some verbs do not change at all. Put is one of them.
Third mistake: Copying wrong spelling Sometimes students copy from friends or social media. Always check a trusted grammar source.
Easy Memory Trick
Here is a very simple trick to remember the rule.
Think about the word cut.
Present: cut Past: cut Past participle: cut
Now think about put.
Present: put Past: put Past participle: put
If “cut” does not become “cutted,” then “put” does not become “putted.”
This comparison makes the rule easy to remember.
Short Practice Story
Read this small story carefully.
Yesterday, Sara cleaned her room. First, she put her books on the shelf. Next, she put her clothes in the cupboard. Then, she put her shoes near the door. Finally, she put her bag on the chair.
You can see that every sentence uses the same verb form.
Why This Rule Is Important
Learning the difference between putted or put helps you write correct English. It also improves your speaking skills. Moreover, it increases your confidence during exams. Small grammar rules create strong language skills. Therefore, you should practice them regularly.
Final Reminder
Whenever you feel confused, remember this simple line:
Put is correct in present, past, and past participle. Putted is incorrect in standard English.
If you follow this rule, you will never make this mistake again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the confusion between putted or put is common, but the answer is simple. The verb put is irregular, and it does not change in the past tense. Therefore, English always uses “put” in present, past, and past participle forms. The word “putted” is not correct in standard grammar. By remembering this rule and practicing simple sentences, you can improve your English easily.
FAQs
1. Is “putted” a correct English word?
No, “putted” is not correct in standard English grammar.
2. What is the correct past tense of “put”?
The correct past tense of “put” is “put.”
3. What is the past participle of “put”?
The past participle of “put” is also “put.”
4. Why do some people say “putted”?
Some people think every verb needs “-ed” in the past tense, so they mistakenly say “putted.”
5. Is “put” a regular or irregular verb?
“Put” is an irregular verb because it does not change in past tense.
6. Can I use “putted” in informal speaking?
No, you should not use “putted” even in informal speaking. It is grammatically incorrect.
7. How can I remember the correct form easily?
You can remember that “put” is like “cut.” Both words stay the same in all forms.
8. Do native English speakers ever use “putted”?
Native speakers do not use “putted” when they talk about placing something somewhere.
9. Will teachers mark “putted” as wrong in exams?
Yes, teachers usually mark it wrong because it is not correct grammar.
10. Does the verb “put” ever change its spelling in any tense?
No, the spelling of “put” stays the same in present, past, and past participle forms.
