I Analyzed Puting vs Putting: Here's What I Found
My Quick Answer
After analyzing the grammar rules, I can confirm the correct spelling is Putting.
Puting is definitely an incorrect spelling (a typo).
Why I Found It's Spelled "Putting"
I discovered that the confusion often arises from the English grammar rule regarding doubling consonants. Here is the simple rule I use to remember:
The CVC Rule I Follow
When a one-syllable verb ends in a Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) pattern, I always double the final consonant before adding -ing.
Let's break down the word PUT as I see it:
- P (Consonant)
- U (Vowel)
- T (Consonant)
Because "put" follows this CVC pattern, I double the 't' to get Putting. If I didn't double it, "puting" might be pronounced with a long 'u' sound (like "phew-ting"), which would be incorrect.
My Definition and Meaning Analysis
Putting is the present participle of the verb "to put". I found it has several meanings depending on the context:
1. Placing or Moving
To move something into a specific position or place.
"I am putting the books on the shelf."
2. In Golf
To hit a golf ball gently across the green towards the hole.
"I saw Tiger Woods putting under pressure."
The Golf Connection: A Special Case
I found that Putting in golf is a special case. Even though it is spelled exactly the same as "putting" (placing), it comes from a different root word and is pronounced differently.
| Feature | Putting (to place) | Putting (Golf) |
|---|---|---|
| Root Word | Put | Putt |
| Pronunciation | /ˈpʊt.ɪŋ/ (Rhymes with "Footing") | /ˈpʌt.ɪŋ/ (Rhymes with "Cutting") |
| Meaning | Placing something | Hitting a golf ball |
Why are they spelled the same?
They are Homographs. This means they share the same spelling but have different meanings and origins.
Golf Rule: Putt + ing = Putting (Double 't' because 'Putt' ends in CVC).
Place Rule: Put + ing = Putting (Double 't' because 'Put' ends in CVC).
Examples I Use
- ✓ I am putting my clothes away.
- ✓ He is putting a lot of effort into this project.
- ✓ Are you putting me on? (Are you joking with me?)
- ✗ I am puting my clothes away.
Putting vs Puting: My Summary Table
| Word | Status | My Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Putting | Correct | Follows the CVC doubling rule (Put + t + ing). |
| Puting | Incorrect | A common misspelling/typo. |
Did you know?
I noticed this rule applies to many other words too!
Run → Running (not Runing)
Sit → Sitting (not Siting)
Cut → Cutting (not Cuting)
Explore More Grammar Guides
If you found this analysis helpful, I have created other detailed guides to help you master English grammar and spelling:
- 👉 How to Spell Putting: A Complete Guide
Deep dive into the spelling rules and common mistakes.
- 👉 Is "Putting" a Correct Word?
An analysis of the word's validity and usage.
- 👉 Put or Puts? Subject-Verb Agreement
Learn when to use "put" vs "puts" in sentences.
- 👉 What Type of Verb is Put?
Understanding the grammatical classification of "put".
- 👉 Put vs Keep: What's the Difference?
Compare these two common verbs and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it puting or putting?
I found that the correct spelling is 'putting' with two 't's. This follows the CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) doubling rule where the final consonant is doubled before adding -ing.
Why is putting spelled with two ts?
I learned that the word 'put' ends in a CVC pattern (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant). When adding a suffix starting with a vowel like -ing to a CVC word, you must double the final consonant to keep the vowel short.
What is the past tense of put?
The past tense of 'put' is 'put'. It is an irregular verb, so it does not change form in the past tense (put-put-put).