Mastering the Phrasal Verb: To Put Someone On

In this episode of Easy English Expressions, Coach Shane delves into the nuances of a versatile phrasal verb: "to put someone on." As Coach Shane emphasizes, mastering phrasal verbs is essential for anyone aiming to become proficient in daily American English. This particular expression is unique because it carries two distinct, context-dependent meanings.

Definition 1: To Hire Someone

The first primary meaning of "to put someone on" is to hire an individual for a professional role. Coach Shane uses his own experience at Let's Master English to illustrate this concept, noting that he would love to "put somebody on" to handle audio and video editing tasks. In this context, the phrase is synonymous with adding an employee to the payroll. The speaker highlights that while he has the desire to expand his team, financial constraints currently prevent him from "putting somebody on" for that specific workload.

Definition 2: To Tease or Joke

The second, and perhaps more colloquial, meaning of the expression is to tease or joke with someone. When someone tells you something unbelievable, you might ask, "Are you putting me on?" This is a way of questioning the speaker's sincerity or asking if they are pulling your leg. Coach Shane provides a relatable example: if a friend were to offer a large sum of money, the listener’s immediate reaction of "Are you putting me on?" serves as a check to see if the offer is a prank or a genuine gesture.

Contextual Application: The Office Dialogue

To solidify the understanding of these definitions, Coach Shane presents a dialogue between two colleagues discussing a potential hire:

• The Hiring Context: One speaker mentions, "I might put somebody on at the office," signaling an intention to hire a new staff member.
• The Teasing Context: When the friend suggests hiring his brother John, the first speaker responds with, "Are you putting me on?" expressing disbelief or suspicion that the suggestion is a joke.

This dialogue highlights the complexity of workplace dynamics. While the friend argues that John is "smart," the speaker is hesitant, noting that John has "gotten fired from every job he's ever had." This exchange serves as a perfect case study for the risks involved in recommending friends or family members for professional roles, where one must balance personal loyalty with professional reputation.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Coach Shane concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives regarding these two definitions. Whether you are an employer looking to "put somebody on" (hire) to grow your business, or someone on the receiving end of a joke where you feel someone is "putting you on" (teasing), understanding the dual nature of this phrasal verb is crucial for natural communication. By practicing these expressions through dialogue, learners can improve their ability to navigate both formal professional environments and casual social interactions.