Put sth in for sth Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Put sth in for sth” Mean?

“Put sth in for sth” means to formally apply or make a request for something, such as a job, position, or opportunity.

Introduction

The phrase “Put sth in for sth” is a common phrasal verb used when someone applies or requests something officially. For example, you might put in an application for a job or put in a request for leave at work. Understanding the “Put sth in for sth meaning” helps learners use this phrase properly in everyday situations. It is especially useful in formal or semi-formal contexts where you want to express that you have made an official request or applied for something.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: put something in for something
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to apply or request something officially

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Put sth in for sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) between “put” and “in” or after the entire phrase.

• Put the application in for the job.
• Put in the application for the job.

Both forms are correct, but putting the object between “put” and “in” is more common.

How to Use Put sth in for sth?

You use “put sth in for sth” when you want to say that you have officially asked for something or applied for a position or opportunity. It is often used in work, school, or formal settings.

Common uses include:

• Putting in an application for a job
• Requesting time off or a transfer
• Applying to participate in an event or competition

Examples

Here are some examples of “Put sth in for sth in a sentence” to help you understand better:

• She put in an application for the manager position last week.
• They put in a request for extra funding to support their project.
• John put in for a transfer to the New York office.
• We put in our names for the team competition.
• Have you put in for the training course yet?

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse “put sth in for sth” with similar phrases or use incorrect word order.

• Incorrect: I put for the job in an application.
• Correct: I put in an application for the job.
• Incorrect: She put in for apply the position.
• Correct: She put in for the position.

Remember to keep the structure clear: put + object + in + for + something.

Differences / Synonyms

“Put sth in for sth” is similar to “apply for” and “request.” However, there are differences:

• Put in for: Often used in informal/formal contexts, especially British English, for applying or requesting.
• Apply for: More formal and widely used in both British and American English for jobs, schools, etc.
• Request: Means asking for something but not always involving an application process.

Example: You can “put in for a promotion” or “apply for a promotion,” but you “request time off.”

Common Collocations

People often use “put sth in for sth” with common objects related to applications and requests. Here are some examples:

• Put in an application – to apply formally for a job or position
• Put in a request – to ask for something officially
• Put in a claim – to formally ask for compensation or benefits
• Put in a bid – to offer a price for something, often in auctions
• Put in a nomination – to suggest someone for an award or position

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of put sth in for sth:

• Put Sb Up To Doing Sth
• Put Sth About
• Put Sb At Sth
• Put Sth Before Sb
• Put Sb In Their Place

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “put sth in for sth”:

Anna: Have you put in for the new project manager role?

Ben: Yes, I put in my application yesterday. How about you?

Anna: Not yet. I’m thinking about putting in for it this week.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of the phrasal verb:

• I have decided to _________ (put in / put) an application for the internship.
• She _________ (put in / put) a request for extra vacation days last month.
• Have you _________ (put in / put) for the training course yet?

FAQ

• What does “put sth in for sth” mean?

  It means to officially apply or request something.

• Is “put sth in for sth” formal or informal?

  It is semi-formal and often used in professional or official contexts.

• Can I separate the object in “put sth in for sth”?

  Yes, the object can go between “put” and “in” or after the phrase.
• What is a synonym for “put in for”?

  “Apply for” is a common synonym.

• Can I use “put in for” with any request?

  It is best used for formal or official requests, like jobs or permissions.