Mastering ‘Put out’ for IELTS Success: Boost Your Speaking and Writing Scores

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “put out” is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, making it an excellent addition to your IELTS vocabulary arsenal. Let’s explore its various definitions:

1. To extinguish or stop something from burning:

   • Example: The firefighters quickly put out the forest fire.

2. To publish or make information available:

   • Example: The company put out a press release about their new product.

3. To cause inconvenience or trouble:

   • Example: I’m sorry to put you out, but could you give me a ride to the airport?

4. To produce or create:

   • Example: The factory puts out thousands of cars each month.

5. To switch off or extinguish a light:

   • Example: Don’t forget to put out the lights before you leave.

Synonyms for “put out” include extinguish, publish, inconvenience, produce, and turn off, depending on the context.

2. Usage in Context

“Put out” can be used in various situations, from formal to informal settings. Here are some examples:

Formal:

• The government has put out new guidelines for social distancing.
• Our research team puts out quarterly reports on market trends.

Informal:

• Can you put out the candles? I’m worried about fire safety.
• The band is putting out a new album next month.

Various contexts for using the phrasal verb 'put out'

3. Grammar Analysis

“Put out” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning that in some cases, you can place the object between “put” and “out.” However, if the object is a pronoun, it must go between the two parts of the phrasal verb.

Examples:

• The company put out a statement. (Object after the phrasal verb)
• The company put a statement out. (Object between the two parts)
• The company put it out. (Pronoun object must go between)

When using “put out” in the sense of extinguishing or turning off, it’s typically not separated:

• Please put out the fire.
• Remember to put out the lights.

4. Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking:

Incorporating “put out” into your IELTS Speaking responses can demonstrate your command of English phrasal verbs. Here are some examples of how to use it effectively:

Question: “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an emergency.”
Sample answer: “Last summer, there was a small fire in my neighbor’s garden. I quickly grabbed a hose and helped put out the flames before they could spread. It was a stressful situation, but I’m glad I was able to act fast and prevent any serious damage.”

Question: “How do you stay informed about current events?”
Sample answer: “I rely on various sources to stay informed. I follow reputable news agencies that put out regular updates on social media platforms. Additionally, I subscribe to a few quality newspapers that put out in-depth analyses of global issues.”

In IELTS Writing:

For Writing Task 2, you can use “put out” to enrich your essay and showcase your vocabulary range. However, be mindful of the formality level required:

Task 2 example: “In recent years, governments have put out numerous campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues. While these efforts are commendable, more concrete actions are needed to address climate change effectively.”

For Writing Task 1, particularly in describing processes or data, “put out” can be useful:

Task 1 example: “The graph shows that the factory steadily increased its output, putting out 50% more products in 2020 compared to 2015.”

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Put away /pʊt əˈweɪ/: To store or return something to its proper place.

   • Example: After dinner, I always put away the dishes in the cupboard.

2. Put off /pʊt ɒf/: To postpone or delay.

   • Example: We had to put off the meeting due to bad weather.

3. Put up /pʊt ʌp/: To construct or erect; to provide accommodation.

   • Example: The city is putting up new apartment buildings to address the housing shortage.

4. Put in /pʊt ɪn/: To install; to submit formally.

   • Example: We’re putting in a new heating system next week.

5. Put through /pʊt θruː/: To connect someone on a phone call; to cause someone to experience something difficult.

   • Example: Could you please put me through to the manager?

6. Put up with /pʊt ʌp wɪð/: To tolerate or endure.

   • Example: I can’t put up with his constant complaining anymore.

7. Put across /pʊt əˈkrɒs/: To communicate or explain clearly.

   • Example: The professor was able to put across complex ideas in a simple manner.

8. Put down /pʊt daʊn/: To criticize or insult; to write something.

   • Example: Don’t put down your colleagues; it creates a negative work environment.

9. Put on /pʊt ɒn/: To wear clothing; to gain weight; to organize an event.

   • Example: She put on her favorite dress for the party.

10. Put back /pʊt bæk/: To return something to its original position; to delay.

    • Example: After using the book, please put it back on the shelf.

Related phrasal verbs to 'put out'

6. Practice Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks

1. The firefighters managed to ___ the blaze before it spread to nearby buildings.
2. Could you ___ the trash before you leave for work?
3. The company plans to ___ a new line of smartphones next year.
4. I’m sorry to ___ you, but could I borrow your car for a few hours?
5. Remember to ___ all the lights when you leave the office.
6. The government has ___ strict regulations to control air pollution.
7. The factory ___ over 10,000 units per day.
8. Please ___ your cigarette before entering the building.
9. The newspaper ___ a special edition to cover the election results.
10. Don’t forget to ___ the campfire completely before we leave the site.

B. Rewrite the sentences

1. The fire was extinguished quickly by the firefighters.
   Rewrite: The firefighters quickly ___.

2. The company released a statement addressing the rumors.
   Rewrite: The company ___ addressing the rumors.

3. I’m sorry for causing you inconvenience.
   Rewrite: I’m sorry to ___.

4. This factory produces 5,000 cars per month.
   Rewrite: This factory ___ 5,000 cars per month.

5. Please switch off all electronic devices during the flight.
   Rewrite: Please ___ all electronic devices during the flight.

6. The government published new guidelines for social distancing.
   Rewrite: The government ___ new guidelines for social distancing.

7. The author is releasing a new book next month.
   Rewrite: The author ___ a new book next month.

8. Could you extinguish your cigarette? This is a non-smoking area.
   Rewrite: Could you ___? This is a non-smoking area.

9. The university issues a monthly newsletter for alumni.
   Rewrite: The university ___ a monthly newsletter for alumni.

10. Remember to turn off the stove before leaving the house.
    Rewrite: Remember to ___ before leaving the house.

Answers and Explanations

A. Fill in the blanks

1. put out
2. put out
3. put out
4. put out
5. put out
6. put out
7. puts out
8. put out
9. put out
10. put out

Explanation: In all these sentences, “put out” is used in its various meanings: extinguishing (1, 8, 10), taking out trash (2), producing or releasing (3, 7, 9), inconveniencing (4), turning off lights (5), and issuing regulations (6).

B. Rewrite the sentences

1. The firefighters quickly put out the fire.
2. The company put out a statement addressing the rumors.
3. I’m sorry to put you out.
4. This factory puts out 5,000 cars per month.
5. Please put out all electronic devices during the flight.
6. The government put out new guidelines for social distancing.
7. The author is putting out a new book next month.
8. Could you put out your cigarette? This is a non-smoking area.
9. The university puts out a monthly newsletter for alumni.
10. Remember to put out the stove before leaving the house.

Explanation: These rewrites demonstrate the versatility of “put out” in different contexts, replacing words like extinguish, release, inconvenience, produce, switch off, publish, and turn off.

7. Memory Tips

To remember the various meanings of “put out,” try associating each definition with a vivid mental image:

1. Extinguishing: Imagine a firefighter using a giant hand to “put out” a flame.
2. Publishing: Picture a hand “putting out” newspapers from a printing press.
3. Inconveniencing: Visualize someone “putting out” their hand to stop you, causing a minor inconvenience.
4. Producing: Think of a factory “putting out” products on a conveyor belt.
5. Switching off lights: Imagine a hand “putting out” a candle flame, representing turning off lights.

Creating these mental associations can help you quickly recall the different meanings of “put out” during your IELTS exam.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Confusion with other phrasal verbs:
   Mistake: “I need to put off the lights before leaving.”
   Correct: “I need to put out the lights before leaving.”
   Tip: Remember, “put off” means to postpone, while “put out” is used for extinguishing or turning off.

2. Incorrect word order with pronouns:
   Mistake: “The company put out it yesterday.”
   Correct: “The company put it out yesterday.”
   Tip: Always place pronoun objects between “put” and “out.”

3. Using “put out” in overly formal contexts:
   Mistake: In a formal essay: “The government put out new laws last month.”
   Better: “The government enacted new legislation last month.”
   Tip: In very formal writing, consider using more formal alternatives.

4. Forgetting the correct preposition:
   Mistake: “The fire was put off quickly.”
   Correct: “The fire was put out quickly.”
   Tip: Practice using “put out” in context to internalize the correct form.

5. Misusing “put out” for “put up with”:
   Mistake: “I can’t put out his behavior anymore.”
   Correct: “I can’t put up with his behavior anymore.”
   Tip: Remember, “put out” doesn’t mean “tolerate.” Use “put up with” for this meaning.

To avoid these mistakes, practice using “put out” in various contexts regularly. Pay attention to its usage in native English content, such as news articles, podcasts, or TV shows. This exposure will help you internalize the correct usage and avoid common pitfalls during your IELTS exam.

9. Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like “put out” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. Its versatility allows you to express various concepts concisely and idiomatically, which can impress examiners in both the Speaking and Writing sections. Remember to practice using “put out” in different contexts, and don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your everyday English conversations. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your IELTS scores but also enhance your overall English proficiency.

As you continue to prepare for your IELTS exam, consider exploring other phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions. For instance, you might find it helpful to figure out the nuances of similar expressions or put aside time to study regularly. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to native-like English are key to achieving your desired IELTS score. Keep up the good work, and you’ll see your language skills improve steadily as you approach your exam date.