This is a simple but very common spelling mistake. The correct form is easy to remember once you see the rule.
The Quick Answer
- ❌ Puting → incorrect spelling
- ✅ Putting → correct spelling
So:
- “I am putting the books on the table.” ✅
- “I am puting the books on the table.” ❌
Why This Mistake Happens
1. Silent doubling rule confusion
When a short verb ends in a single consonant after a short vowel, we often double the consonant before adding -ing.
2. Writing by sound
People assume one “t” is enough because they don’t hear the doubling.
What Does “Putting” Mean?
Putting is the present participle of put, meaning:
👉 placing something somewhere
👉 arranging or setting something in position
Real-life examples:
- I am putting my phone on charge.
- She is putting the books on the shelf.
- They are putting decorations in the room.
- He is putting his keys in his pocket.
Why Is It “Putting” and Not “Puting”?
English spelling rule:
👉 If a short verb ends in a single consonant after a short vowel, we double the consonant before adding -ing
Examples:
- sit → sitting
- run → running
- stop → stopping
- put → putting
So:
✔ put → putting (double “t”)
❌ put → puting (missing “t”)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Putting ✅ | Puting ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | Correct | Incorrect |
| Grammar | Standard English | Not accepted |
| Meaning | Placing something | No meaning |
Real-Life Examples
Correct usage
- I am putting sugar in my tea.
- She is putting effort into her studies.
- They are putting the plan into action.
Incorrect usage
- He is puting the bag on the table. ❌
- I am puting my shoes away. ❌
Corrected:
- He is putting the bag on the table. ✅
- I am putting my shoes away. ✅
Simple Trick to Remember
👉 “Put needs two T’s when doing something now.”
Or:
👉 Think of similar words:
- run → running
- sit → sitting
- put → putting
Memory shortcut:
👉 “Double the T in putting.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to double the “t” ❌
- Relying only on pronunciation ❌
- Writing “puting” in formal documents ❌
Quick Memory Check
Which is correct?
- I am puting the box away ❌
- I am putting the box away ✅
Correct answer: #2
Conclusion
The difference is very simple:
- Putting → correct spelling (double “t”)
- Puting → incorrect spelling
👉 Quick trick: “Short verb + -ing = double the consonant → putting.”
Once you remember this rule, you’ll never make this mistake again.