I'm putting the word out vs Share

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

I'm putting the word out

Top 2,000 (common)

Share

Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most common: Share
 I'm putting the word outShare
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //aɪm ˈpʊtɪŋ ðə wɜːd aʊt//🇺🇸 //aɪm ˈpʊtɪŋ ðə wɜrd aʊt//🇬🇧 /["/ʃeə(r)/","/ʃeəz/","/ʃeəd/","/ˈʃeərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ʃer/","/ʃerz/","/ʃerd/","/ˈʃerɪŋ/"]/
MeaningI'm telling people about something.To let someone use or have part of something that you have.
ExampleI'm putting the word out about the upcoming event to everyone I know.I will share my toys with my friends.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A1
Part of speechverb
Collocationsput the word out, put the word out to, put the word out aboutfully, equally, broadly, want to, would like to, be prepared to, among, between, in, widely shared, fully, equally, broadly, want to, would like to, be prepared to, among, between, in, widely shared, fully, equally, broadly, want to, would like to, be prepared to, among, between, in, widely shared
Antonyms-hoard, keep, withhold
Common mistakesConfusing 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 'share' without an object (e.g., saying 'I will share' instead of 'I will share my lunch'), Confusing 'share' with 'sharpen', Incorrectly using 'share' as a noun rather than a verb (e.g., saying 'the share of the book' instead of 'the sharing of the book')
Usage notesUse 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 'share' when talking about dividing resources or experiences. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid in very formal contexts where more specific terms may be required.

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I'm putting the word out

Frequently asked questions: I'm putting the word out vs Share

What's the difference between I'm putting the word out and Share?

I'm putting the word out: I'm telling people about something. Share: To let someone use or have part of something that you have.

Which is more common: I'm putting the word out and Share?

Share is the most common in everyday English.

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. Share: I will share my toys with my friends.

Can I use I'm putting the word out and Share interchangeably?

Not always. I'm putting the word out and Share 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.

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