English spelling can be confusing, especially when a word is formed by adding -ing to a verb. One common example is “putting” vs “puting.” Although they look almost identical, only one is correct in standard English. Understanding the spelling rule behind this difference can help students avoid the same mistake with other verbs.
If you have ever wondered whether to write putting or puting, the answer is simple: “putting” is the correct spelling. The word comes from the verb put, which means to place something somewhere. When -ing is added, the final t is doubled, giving us putting. The spelling “puting” is incorrect in standard English.
Quick Answer
Putting is the correct spelling. Puting is incorrect. The word putting is the present participle and gerund of put. For example: “She is putting the book on the table.” The final t is doubled before adding -ing, so always write putting, not puting.
Why Do People Confuse “Putting” and “Puting”?
The confusion usually happens because put + ing appears as if it should simply become puting.
However, English spelling rules sometimes require the final consonant of a verb to be doubled before -ing is added. With put, the final t is doubled:
put + ing = putting
This gives the word two t’s in the middle.
The same pattern can be seen in words such as:
- run → running
- sit → sitting
- stop → stopping
- get → getting
- cut → cutting
So, putting follows a familiar English spelling pattern.
First Word: Putting
Putting is the correct word.
It is formed from the verb put by adding -ing. It can function as a present participle or gerund.
Examples
- He is putting his shoes away.
- I am putting the dishes on the table.
- She enjoys putting flowers in the vase.
- They are putting the books in order.
Putting can describe an action happening now or the activity of placing something somewhere.
Second Word: Puting
Puting is an incorrect spelling in standard English.
It is usually a spelling mistake caused by adding -ing to put without doubling the final t.
❌ She is puting the clothes away.
✅ She is putting the clothes away.
When writing or speaking standard English, use putting.
Putting vs Puting: Comparison Table
| Word | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
| Putting | ✅ Yes | Placing something somewhere | She is putting the keys on the desk. |
| Puting | ❌ No | Incorrect spelling of putting | Avoid this spelling. |
When Should You Use “Putting”?
Use putting whenever you need the -ing form of the verb put.
1. For an action happening now
- Tom is putting his jacket on.
- She is putting the groceries away.
2. After certain verbs
- I enjoy putting things in order.
- He kept putting off the meeting.
3. As part of a continuous tense
- They are putting up a new sign.
- We were putting the chairs outside.
4. As a gerund
- Putting things off can create problems.
- Putting others first can sometimes be difficult.
10+ Examples of “Putting” in Sentences
Here are practical examples to help you remember the correct spelling:
- She is putting the milk in the refrigerator.
- I am putting my phone on the table.
- He is putting on his shoes.
- They are putting the books on the shelf.
- We were putting up decorations for the party.
- She enjoys putting flowers in the garden.
- Please stop putting your bag there.
- He is putting money into his savings account.
- I keep putting off my homework.
- The teacher is putting the students into groups.
- She is putting the dishes away.
- Putting too much pressure on yourself can be unhelpful.
Notice that every example uses putting, never puting.
What Are the Common Mistakes?
The most common mistake is writing puting with only one t.
Incorrect
I am puting the book on the desk.
Correct
I am putting the book on the desk.
Another mistake is assuming that every verb simply takes -ing without any spelling change.
For example:
- put → putting
- sit → sitting
- run → running
- stop → stopping
The final consonant is doubled in these forms.
A Simple Memory Trick
Think:
Put has one T → putting has two T’s.
You can remember it as:
PUT + ING = PUTTING
Or simply:
Put it together with two T’s: putting.
Whenever you are unsure, remember that “putting” contains “put” + “ting.”
American vs British English
There is no spelling difference between American and British English for this word.
Both varieties use:
✅ putting
Neither standard American English nor standard British English uses puting as the correct spelling.
For example:
- American English: “She is putting the book away.”
- British English: “She is putting the book away.”
The spelling remains the same.
Similar Words
Understanding similar -ing forms can make the spelling pattern easier to remember.
| Verb | -ing Form |
| put | putting |
| sit | sitting |
| run | running |
| stop | stopping |
| get | getting |
| cut | cutting |
| plan | planning |
| begin | beginning |
These examples show why simply attaching -ing is not always enough. Some verbs require the final consonant to be doubled.
Final Verdict
Putting is the correct spelling.
Puting is a spelling error in standard English.
The correct formation is:
put + -ing → putting
So, whenever you mean “placing something somewhere” in the -ing form, write putting with two t’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “putting” or “puting” correct?
Putting is correct. Puting is an incorrect spelling.
Why does “put” become “putting”?
The final t is doubled before -ing, producing putting. This is part of English spelling patterns for certain short verbs.
Is “puting” a real English word?
No. Puting is not the standard spelling of the -ing form of put. The correct spelling is putting.
Is putting a verb?
Yes. Putting is the -ing form of the verb put. Depending on how it is used, it can function as a present participle or gerund.
What is the past tense of put?
The past tense of put is also put.
- Present: I put the book here.
- Past: I put the book here yesterday.
- -ing form: I am putting the book here.
How do you spell putting?
It is spelled:
P-U-T-T-I-N-G
There are two t’s.
Does British English spell “putting” differently?
No. Both British and American English spell the word putting.
What is the easiest way to remember putting?
Remember:
PUT + ING = PUTTING
Think of the two t’s as staying together.
Remember This
Putting = correct ✅
Puting = incorrect ❌
The key spelling rule is:
put + ing = putting
If you remember “two T’s in putting,” you will avoid this common spelling mistake.
Conclusion
The difference between putting and puting is simple once you understand the spelling. Putting is the only correct standard-English spelling because the final t in put is doubled before -ing. The incorrect form puting should be avoided in schoolwork, professional writing, and everyday communication.
Whenever you want to describe the action of placing something somewhere, use putting. Remember the easy formula put + ing = putting, and you will have the correct spelling every time.
