Cool MateI'm putting the word out vs Notify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I'm putting the word out
Top 2,000 (common)
Notify
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
| I'm putting the word out | Notify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪm ˈpʊtɪŋ ðə wɜːd aʊt//🇺🇸 //aɪm ˈpʊtɪŋ ðə wɜrd aʊt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪ/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪz/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪd/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪ/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪz/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪd/","/ˈnəʊtɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | I'm telling people about something. | to tell someone about something |
| Example | I'm putting the word out about the upcoming event to everyone I know. | Competition winners will be notified by post. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | put the word out, put the word out to, put the word out about | forthwith, immediately, promptly, be obliged to, be required to, must, of, to |
| Antonyms | - | ignore, neglect, overlook |
| Common mistakes | 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'. | Using 'notify' without an object (e.g., saying 'I will notify' instead of 'I will notify you')., Confusing 'notify' with 'inform' — while similar, 'notify' implies a more formal notification., Mixing up prepositions (e.g., saying 'notify with' instead of 'notify about') |
| Usage notes | 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. | Use 'notify' in situations where you are formally informing someone, like in business or official contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: I'm putting the word out vs Notify
What's the difference between I'm putting the word out and Notify?
I'm putting the word out: I'm telling people about something. Notify: to tell someone about something
Can you show an example of each?
I'm putting the word out: I'm putting the word out about the upcoming event to everyone I know. Notify: Competition winners will be notified by post.
Can I use I'm putting the word out and Notify interchangeably?
Not always. I'm putting the word out and Notify 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.