"put on" vs "Put off"

Question

"put on" vs "Put off"

The phrases 'put on' and 'put off' have opposite meanings. 'Put on' is used when you wear clothes or accessories, while 'put off' is used when you postpone or delay something. They are not interchangeable as they convey different actions.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use 'put on' when you are talking about wearing clothes, accessories, or makeup. It indicates the action of dressing oneself with something.

Examples:

She decided to put on her favorite dress for the party.
Don't forget to put on your sunscreen before going to the beach.
He put on his glasses to read the fine print.
I need to put on my coat before going outside.
The actor put on a fantastic performance in the play.

Alternatives:

wear
dress in
don
sport
adorn oneself with

Use 'put off' when you want to delay or postpone something. It indicates the action of rescheduling or procrastinating.

Examples:

They decided to put off the meeting until next week.
I keep putting off cleaning my room because I'm too busy.
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
She always puts off making important decisions.
The bad weather put off the outdoor event.

Alternatives:

delay
postpone
defer
procrastinate
reschedule

Answer 1

put on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

Put off

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"put on" vs "Put off"

put on

Put off

Related Comparisons