Cool MateBroadcast vs I'm putting the word out
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Broadcast
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
I'm putting the word out
Top 2,000 (common)
| Broadcast | I'm putting the word out | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/","/ˈbrɔːdkɑːsts/","/ˈbrɔːdkɑːstɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbrɔːdkæst/","/ˈbrɔːdkæsts/","/ˈbrɔːdkæstɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //aɪm ˈpʊtɪŋ ðə wɜːd aʊt//🇺🇸 //aɪm ˈpʊtɪŋ ðə wɜrd aʊt// |
| Meaning | To send out information or programs to a lot of people. | I'm telling people about something. |
| Example | The concert will be **broadcast live** *(= at the same time as it takes place)* tomorrow evening. | I'm putting the word out about the upcoming event to everyone I know. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | live, nationally, originally, from, to | put the word out, put the word out to, put the word out about |
| Antonyms | suppress, withhold | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'cast' as a noun., Using 'broadcasted' instead of 'broadcast' for past forms., Confusing with 'stream' in the context of online content. | Confusing with 'spreading the word', which implies sharing with multiple people., Using it in formal contexts where a more polite expression is needed., Incorrectly using it in past tense without context, e.g., 'I put the word out'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'broadcast' when referring to media like TV or radio. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts but can feel out of place in very casual conversations. | Use this phrase when you want to announce news or information. It’s informal and works in casual contexts, but can also be suited for social media posts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Broadcast vs I'm putting the word out
What's the difference between Broadcast and I'm putting the word out?
Broadcast: To send out information or programs to a lot of people. I'm putting the word out: I'm telling people about something.
Can you show an example of each?
Broadcast: The concert will be **broadcast live** *(= at the same time as it takes place)* tomorrow evening. I'm putting the word out: I'm putting the word out about the upcoming event to everyone I know.
Can I use Broadcast and I'm putting the word out interchangeably?
Not always. Broadcast and I'm putting the word out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.