Putting or Puting: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-12 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: When adding the -ing suffix to the verb put, the correct spelling is putting, while puting is a misspelling. This error often happens because the word ends in a vowel, leading people to mistakenly drop the second t. Always remember to keep both t's to form the present participle correctly in any sentence.

The Short Answer

putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct; putting is correct

People confuse these forms because the base word ends in a vowel sound, making the double t look unusual to some. Additionally, the verb put is irregular in its past tense form, but it follows regular rules when becoming a participle. This confusion is common enough that even careful writers sometimes make the mistake.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
putting	Correct	You are describing the action of placing something down right now
puting	Misspelling	Never use this form in formal or informal writing
verb	Part of speech	This word functions as an action verb in all contexts
standard	Region	This spelling is accepted everywhere in the English-speaking world

Correct Example Sentences

The teacher is putting the books back on the shelf.
They are putting up a new sign outside the store.
I am putting my keys in the bowl for later.
The dog is putting its toy under the sofa.
She is putting on her coat to go outside.
We are putting off the meeting until next week.
He is putting his shoes in the closet.
The chef is putting the vegetables into the pot.
They are putting their names on the guest list.
She is putting her thoughts into words for the letter

Common Mistakes and Fixes

The cat is puting a ball on the table.: The cat is putting a ball on the table.
Please stop puting things on the floor.: Please stop putting things on the floor.
We were puting the furniture in place.: We were putting the furniture in place.
He is puting his coat on quickly.: He is putting his coat on quickly.
They are puting the lid on the jar.: They are putting the lid on the jar.
Did you see her puting the cake away?: Did you see her putting the cake away?

A Quick Test You Can Use

To ensure you have spelled the word correctly, check if the word you are using describes the action of placing an item somewhere. If the sentence describes moving or positioning something, use the form with two t's to maintain the correct spelling of the base verb.

Related Word Pairs

focusing vs focusing: Use focusing because the base verb is focus and retains the c
pouncing vs pouncing: Always use pouncing with two c's to match the verb root
baking vs bakking: Use baking with one k because the base verb ends in a single k
sitting vs siting: Use sitting with two t's since the base verb is sit
dressing vs dresseng: Use dressing with two s's to match the double consonant in the root

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does putting have two t's?

The base verb put already contains a single t. When adding the -ing suffix, you simply keep the existing t and add the suffix, resulting in two t's total. There is no rule to drop the second t when forming this specific participle.

Is puting ever correct in any context?

No, puting is never correct in standard English writing. It is always a misspelling of the word putting, which describes the action of placing something. You should avoid using the incorrect form in any sentence.

How do I remember the correct spelling?

A simple way to remember is to think of the base word put and add ing directly to it without changing the letters. Visualizing the word as one unit helps prevent the common mistake of dropping the second t.

Does this rule apply to other short verbs?

Short verbs generally follow similar rules, but you must check the base form. If the verb ends in a consonant, you often double it before adding ing. However, put is unique because it naturally has two t's in its participle form.