Many English learners wonder whether the correct word is put or putted. The confusion happens because most English verbs form the past tense by adding -ed. For example:
- Walk → Walked
- Jump → Jumped
- Play → Played
So it seems natural to think that put should become putted.
However, English does not always follow regular rules. The verb put is irregular, and its past forms are different from what many learners expect.
Quick Answer
- ✅ Put = correct
- ❌ Putted = usually incorrect for the verb put
Verb forms:
| Form | Word |
|---|---|
| Base Form | Put |
| Past Tense | Put |
| Past Participle | Put |
Examples:
- I put the book on the table.
- Yesterday I put the book on the table.
- I have put the book on the table.
The word stays put in all three forms.
Background
The verb put is one of several English verbs that do not change form.
Other examples include:
- Cut → Cut → Cut
- Hit → Hit → Hit
- Set → Set → Set
Similarly:
- Put → Put → Put
Because learners often expect a past tense ending in -ed, they mistakenly create the word putted.
Difference Between Put and Putted
Put
Put is the correct form for:
- Present tense
- Past tense
- Past participle
Examples:
- I put my keys in my bag.
- I put my keys in my bag yesterday.
- I have put my keys in my bag.
Putted
Putted is generally not used as the past tense of put.
❌ I putted the book on the shelf.
✅ I put the book on the shelf.
There is one special exception related to golf, which we will discuss below.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Put | Putted |
|---|---|---|
| Standard verb “put” | ✅ Correct | ❌ Incorrect |
| Past tense of put | ✅ Put | ❌ Putted |
| Past participle of put | ✅ Put | ❌ Putted |
| Used in everyday English | ✅ Yes | Rare |
| Used in golf (from “putt”) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Which One to Use and When
Use “Put”
For almost all everyday situations.
Examples:
- She put the phone on the desk.
- They put their bags near the door.
- I have put the dishes away.
- He put on his jacket.
Use “Putted” Only in Golf
There is a different verb called putt, which means to hit a golf ball gently on the green.
Verb forms:
- Putt
- Putted
- Putted
Examples:
- The golfer putted the ball into the hole.
- She putted well today.
This is the only common situation where putted is correct.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1
❌ I putted the book on the table.
✅ I put the book on the table.
Mistake 2
❌ She has putted her phone in her bag.
✅ She has put her phone in her bag.
Mistake 3
❌ We putted the chairs outside yesterday.
✅ We put the chairs outside yesterday.
Everyday Examples
At Home
- I put the milk in the fridge.
- She put her shoes by the door.
At School
- The student put his notebook on the desk.
- The teacher put the papers away.
At Work
- I put the report in the folder.
- They put the files on the server.
On Social Media
- I put my vacation photos online.
- She put a funny video on her page.
Learning Tip for Students
Memorize this simple pattern:
| Verb | Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| Put | Put | Put |
A helpful sentence:
Today I put it there. Yesterday I put it there. I have put it there before.
The word never changes.
FAQ
Is putted a real word?
Yes, but mainly as the past tense of putt in golf.
What is the past tense of put?
The past tense of put is put.
Is “I putted the book on the table” correct?
No. The correct sentence is “I put the book on the table.”
What is the past participle of put?
The past participle is put.
Why doesn’t put become putted?
Because put is an irregular verb and keeps the same form.
Is “have put” correct?
Yes. For example: “I have put the keys in my pocket.”
When can I use putted?
You can use putted when talking about the sport of golf.
Conclusion
For normal English, put is the correct form in the present tense, past tense, and past participle.
- I put the book away.
- Yesterday I put the book away.
- I have put the book away.
Putted is usually incorrect when you mean the verb put. It is mainly used in golf as the past tense of putt.
The easy rule to remember is:
Put → Put → Put
If you remember that pattern, you will avoid one of the most common English grammar mistakes.
