«to put someone through (to someone)» vs. «to put someone through something»

Tips

#63

In English there can be expressions that sound very similar, but have completely different meanings. Are you put through exams when applying for a new job? When calling, do you ask the person answering to put you through to someone? Let’s learn the different uses between each phrase to get it right!

to put someone through (to someone):

To transfer someone on the phone.

Example:

Frank: Hello, this is Frank from the Academic Department.
How may I help you?
Brook: Hello, this is Brook from Pearson, could you put me through to Zoe?
Frank: Of course, please hold, I am putting you through.

 

Example:

Andy: Are you putting me through to Carl or Jenna?
Sarah: You asked me to put you through to Jenna.
vs.

to put someone through something:

To make someone experience something or a situation.

Examples:
– The nutritionist put me through a strict diet to have a healthier lifestyle.
– Connie puts her team through long meetings when there’s little work.

Don’t Say:

dont

Could you pass me through to Philip?

Say:

say

Could you put me through to Philip?

EXERCISE

DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blank with the right form of to put someone through (to someone) or to put someone through something.

EXAMPLE: Our company puts its trainees through training and practice to become excellent teachers.

*Note: A misspelled word counts as incorrect.

ANSWER KEY

1) Mam, I am putting you through to Mr. Wilson right now.

2) The gym instructor will put me through a complete exercise plan next week.

3) She was put through various tests before getting her new promotion.

4) They take hours to put you through to a sales representative!

5) Managers are always put through difficult and rewarding situations.

FUN PHRASES

To put someone through the wringermeans to give someone a hard time or put them in a difficult situation. For example, “My little sister used to put me through the wringer when she accused me of robbing her candy.” or “The company was put through the wringer when the sales dropped.”

To put something or someone through their paces” means to test someone’s skills or something’s effectiveness or strength.  For example, “The building was put through its paces when the earthquake started.”, “Before launching the product, it was put through its paces to guarantee it worked.” or “Clara was put through her paces when they told her she had to be responsible for 50 employees.”