Below you will find one of the uses of the phrasal verb 'put down to' which you are likely to find used in the Cambridge Advanced exam.

In addition to the meaning/definition, you will also find two examples of it being used with this meaning (to help you better understand its use and the context it is used in).

In order to remember this use, make sure to make an example in your own words with the phrasal verb.

Use 1

To say what you personally believe the reason is for why somebody did something or why something happened.

John PUTS DOWN her recent behaviour TO just her feeling stressed. But I don't agree, I feel that it is something more serious.

"Why do you think the film was so successful?"
"I would PUT it DOWN TO the two main actors. They both give amazing and very believable performances."

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb


Return to the list of 50 commonly phrasal verbs in the CAE exam.