The English language is rich with phrasal verbs, which are combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs that create unique meanings. One such phrasal verb is put up with. Understanding the meaning and usage of put up with is essential for learners of English because it frequently appears in everyday conversation, formal writing, and media. This phrasal verb conveys the idea of tolerating or enduring something or someone unpleasant, annoying, or challenging. Unlike simple verbs, phrasal verbs like put up with often carry nuances that can change depending on context, making them both interesting and sometimes tricky for non-native speakers.
Definition and Meaning of Put Up With
The phrasal verb put up with means to tolerate or endure something that is difficult, unpleasant, or annoying without complaining or taking action to remove it. It implies a certain level of patience and acceptance of circumstances or behavior that one may not like but cannot immediately change. This verb is often used when discussing situations involving interpersonal relationships, work environments, or everyday challenges that require resilience.
Examples of Put Up With in Sentences
To better understand how put up with is used in context, consider the following examples
- She has toput up withher noisy neighbors every day because moving to a new apartment is not an option.
- I don’t know how he canput up withsuch long hours at work without complaining.
- Parents oftenput up withthe tantrums of young children as part of raising them.
- It’s difficult toput up withbad traffic when you’re already late for an appointment.
Grammatical Structure of Put Up With
The phrasal verb put up with follows a fairly straightforward grammatical structure. It is typically followed by a noun or pronoun that represents the person or thing being tolerated. It can be used in various tenses, just like other regular verbs, but the base structure remains consistent
- PresentIput up withhis annoying habits.
- PastSheput up withthe long delays yesterday.
- FutureThey willput up withthe new rules for a while.
It’s important to note that the ptopic with is an integral part of the phrasal verb. Omitting it changes the meaning completely, and the sentence may become grammatically incorrect. For example, saying I put up his noisy neighbors does not convey the intended meaning of tolerance.
Synonyms and Related Expressions
Understanding synonyms can help learners expand their vocabulary and express similar ideas in different ways. Phrases similar to put up with include
- Endure She had to endure the long flight without complaining.
- Tolerate He cannot tolerate rude behavior in the workplace.
- Bear I can’t bear the constant noise from the construction site.
- Accept They accepted the changes even though they were inconvenient.
While these words share similar meanings, put up with is more informal and conversational, making it suitable for everyday English rather than academic or formal writing.
Common Situations for Using Put Up With
The phrasal verb put up with is often used in contexts where patience, tolerance, or endurance is required. Common situations include
- Workplace challengesEmployees may have to put up with difficult bosses, heavy workloads, or office politics.
- Family lifeFamily members often put up with annoying habits, sibling rivalries, or long commutes.
- Social interactionsFriends and acquaintances sometimes put up with minor irritations, like lateness or forgetfulness.
- Public inconveniencesPeople often put up with crowded transportation, bad weather, or long lines at stores.
Tips for Using Put Up With Correctly
To use put up with effectively in conversation and writing, keep the following tips in mind
- Always include withOmitting with changes the meaning and can confuse listeners.
- Use it with people or thingsThe verb can refer to both situations and individuals that cause irritation or difficulty.
- Maintain contextThis phrasal verb usually carries a negative connotation, indicating something unpleasant that must be tolerated.
- Combine with modals for nuanceFor example, I can’t put up with this anymore emphasizes a limit to tolerance, while She might put up with the delay suggests conditional endurance.
Contrast With Other Phrasal Verbs
It’s helpful to distinguish put up with from other phrasal verbs that may appear similar but carry different meanings. For instance
- Put offMeans to delay or postpone something, not to tolerate.
- Put asideMeans to save or set something aside, not to endure.
- Put downCan mean to criticize or physically place something down, not to tolerate.
Being aware of these differences prevents confusion and ensures that your use of phrasal verbs is accurate and natural.
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
Put up with is also used figuratively to describe emotional or psychological tolerance. For example
- She had to put up with his sarcasm for years without losing her composure.
- We must put up with challenges and setbacks if we want to succeed in life.
In these cases, the phrasal verb conveys more than just physical endurance it suggests patience, emotional resilience, and perseverance in the face of difficulty.
The phrasal verb put up with is an essential part of everyday English, representing the act of tolerating or enduring something unpleasant or annoying. Its usage requires careful attention to structure, context, and connotation. Understanding this phrasal verb helps learners communicate effectively about personal experiences, social interactions, and professional challenges. Whether in informal conversation, storytelling, or descriptive writing, mastering put up with enhances fluency and allows speakers to convey patience, resilience, and tolerance in a natural, idiomatic way. By exploring synonyms, practical examples, and grammatical rules, learners can confidently use put up with in various contexts, making their English more expressive and accurate.