Puting or putting – which one is correct?

When conjugating the verb “to put” into its present participle form, many people are uncertain whether the correct spelling is “putting” or “puting.” Recognizing the correct form and difference in spelling between these two words is essential for proper English grammar and usage.

The only accurate spelling is “putting” with two t’s. “Puting” with one t is incorrect. This is because of a grammatical rule that applies when adding the -ing ending to verbs that end with a consonant, vowel, consonant pattern.

Why “Putting” With Double T is the Right Form

When a verb ending in a consonant, then a vowel, then another consonant takes the -ing ending to form the present participle or gerund, you must double the final consonant. For example:

• Rob → Robbing
• Sit → Sitting

The same rule applies to the verb “put.” When forming the present participle or gerund, the correct spelling is “putting,” with the final t doubled.

Meanwhile, “puting” fails to follow this rule by only having one t. This makes it an inaccurate form.

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The Meaning and Definition of “Putting”

Now that we’ve clarified the proper spelling, what exactly does “putting” mean?

As the present participle of “put,” “putting” carries the same overall meaning:

• To place or set something somewhere
• To cause something or someone to go somewhere
• To bring something into a certain state or condition

Some examples of “putting” used in sentences include:

• I spent the afternoon putting my files into alphabetical order.
• Janet asked for help putting together the new bookshelf.
• The storm left us putting the fallen branches out on the curb.

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Synonyms and Related Terms

Some common synonyms and related terms for “putting” include:

• Placing: Positioning or situating an item or person.
• Setting: Putting something deliberately in a specific place.
• Laying: Putting something down in a horizontal position.
• Situating: Putting something in an appropriate place.

All these words relate to the act of putting something or someone somewhere intentionally.

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Recognizing the Distinction Between “Putting” and “Puting”

Although they look nearly alike at first glance, “putting” and “puting” have a key difference: the doubling of the final t.

Failing to double this final consonant flouts an important grammar rule regarding verbs ending in a consonant + vowel + consonant pattern. It also leads to inaccurate spelling.

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Here are some examples to show the proper use of “putting” versus the incorrect “puting”:

• ✅ I spent all morning putting away the clean laundry.
• ❌ I spent all morning puting away the clean laundry.
• ✅ The crew got to work putting up decorations for the dance.
• ❌ The crew got to work puting up decorations for the dance.

In both cases, the first sentence uses the correct form “putting,” while the second sentence uses the incorrect “puting.”

Making this distinction and using the accurate spelling is key for writing properly.

Why the Double T Matters

Understanding why “putting” has two t’s also helps cement the difference.

The double letter signals that a grammatical rule was followed: doubling the final consonant when -ing is added onto a verb ending consonant-vowel-consonant.

Meanwhile, “puting” shows a disregard for this rule by only having one t.

Doubling the last letter before adding -ing might seem odd, but it’s necessary to form the word properly. Getting in the habit of doubling the consonant ensures you’ll use the right spelling.

Examples of Proper Usage

Using “putting” correctly in writing further reinforces why it’s the accurate form over “puting.”

Here are some examples in complete sentences:

• Jenny spent all afternoon putting away her winter clothes in storage containers.
• The event organizers are putting the gift bags together during the rehearsal dinner.
• Rather than give up, the mechanic kept putting new parts on the engine trying to fix it.

In all these example sentences, “putting” is used as the present participle to describe an action of placing, setting, or positioning something.

Spelling it with two t’s adheres to the correct grammar rule. Meanwhile, “puting” would be glaringly inaccurate.

By training your eye and habits to use “putting,” you’ll master the proper form of this word.

Understanding the grammatical rule of doubling the consonant, the difference in spelling between “putting” and “puting,” using “putting” correctly in sentences, and recognizing when “puting” is inaccurate are all key to cementing the proper usage. Keep this advice in mind, and the distinction between these two words will become second nature.