The phrase ‘are put up’ can carry various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It is a versatile expression that appears in everyday conversations, formal writing, and idiomatic language. Understanding the different meanings and uses of ‘are put up’ is essential for grasping its full range in English communication. This topic will explore the phrase in detail, breaking down its meanings, common usages, grammatical structure, and examples to help readers fully comprehend how ‘are put up’ functions in different scenarios.
Understanding the Phrase ‘Are Put Up’
The phrase ‘are put up’ is a passive voice construction in English, combining the auxiliary verb ‘are’ with the past participle ‘put up.’ The core verb phrase ‘put up’ itself has several meanings that influence the interpretation of the passive form.
In simple terms, ‘put up’ means to place or set something somewhere, to offer or provide something, or to tolerate or endure a situation. When the phrase is used in passive voice as ‘are put up,’ it typically refers to things or people being placed, accommodated, or tolerated by someone else.
Common Meanings of ‘Put Up’
- To place or fix something in position: For example, putting up a tent or putting up decorations.
- To provide accommodation or shelter: Such as putting up guests or putting up travelers for the night.
- To tolerate or endure: For example, putting up with noise or putting up with a difficult person.
- To raise or increase: As in putting up prices or putting up a fight.
Each meaning can change slightly when used in the passive voice with ‘are put up,’ depending on context.
Usage of ‘Are Put Up’ in Different Contexts
1. Placement or Installation
In contexts where physical objects are involved, ‘are put up’ refers to the act of placing or installing items by someone. This usage is common in descriptions of construction, decoration, or assembly.
- The bannersare put upevery year before the festival.
- New streetlightsare put upto improve nighttime visibility.
- The shelvesare put upcarefully to avoid accidents.
In these examples, are put up indicates that someone arranges or installs the items in specific locations.
2. Providing Accommodation
When referring to people or guests, ‘are put up’ usually means being provided with a place to stay temporarily.
- Visitorsare put upat the nearby hotel during the conference.
- Friends who come from out of townare put upby family members.
- Refugeesare put upin temporary shelters.
Here, are put up highlights the act of offering lodging or shelter to others.
3. Toleration or Endurance
In more figurative or idiomatic use, the phrase relates to enduring or tolerating something unpleasant, though this meaning is often expressed as ‘put up with.’ The passive voice ‘are put up’ in this sense is less common but can be found in formal or literary contexts.
- The constant disruptionsare put upby the residents with great patience.
- Mistakesare put upby the team to maintain harmony.
It implies that unpleasant actions or situations are tolerated by individuals or groups.
4. Raising or Increasing
Though less common in passive voice, are put up can refer to prices, bids, or other quantities being raised or increased by someone or something.
- The pricesare put upregularly due to inflation.
- Bidsare put upduring the auction to attract higher offers.
This meaning reflects the action of increasing values or amounts by an agent.
Grammar and Structure of ‘Are Put Up’
The phrase ‘are put up’ is a passive voice construction formed by:
- The auxiliary verbare, which is the present tense plural form of ‘to be.’
- The past participleput up, which is the verb phrase in question.
This construction is typically used when the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action rather than the doer.
For example, in the active voice:
- The organizers put up the decorations.
The passive voice becomes:
- The decorationsare put upby the organizers.
The passive voice allows focus on the object receiving the action, which can be useful when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from context.
When to Use Passive Voice with ‘Put Up’
Use passive voice with are put up when emphasizing the object or when the subject performing the action is not the focus:
- Emphasizing the result: New postersare put upevery month.
- Unknown subject: The fencesare put uparound the property.
- Politeness or formality: Guestsare put upin comfortable rooms.
Examples in Everyday English
Here are several sentences showing the diverse uses of are put up:
- Signsare put upto direct visitors to the entrance.
- The new employeesare put upin the company dormitory.
- Complaintsare put upwith quietly in some offices.
- Higher taxesare put upby the government to fund public services.
Tips for Using ‘Are Put Up’ Correctly
- Check the context: Make sure the meaning fits whether you mean physical placement, accommodation, toleration, or increase.
- Use passive voice appropriately: Use are put up when focusing on the receiver of the action.
- Pair with clear subjects: Ensure it is clear what are put up refers to (e.g., signs, guests, prices).
- Avoid confusion with put up with: Remember put up with means to tolerate, but it is usually active voice and less common in passive form.
The phrase are put up is a flexible and useful expression in English that can refer to a variety of actions depending on the context. Whether describing something being physically placed, providing lodging, tolerating situations, or increasing amounts, understanding how to use are put up correctly enriches your English skills. Recognizing the passive voice construction and the range of meanings behind put up helps you communicate more clearly and effectively. By familiarizing yourself with examples and contexts where are put up appears, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your spoken and written English.