place
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A particular position, point, or area in space; a location.
A particular role, position, or situation in a social context, sequence, or hierarchy; a building or area used for a specific purpose; to put or arrange something in a particular position.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word 'place' is deceptively simple. It functions primarily as a noun with extremely broad application, covering concrete physical locations, abstract positions (like 'in society'), and metaphorical niches ('a place in history'). As a verb, it means to put or arrange, often implying precision or purpose. The meaning is highly context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Few significant differences. British English may use 'place' slightly more often in formal contexts where US English might prefer 'put' (e.g., "Where shall I place this?" vs "Where should I put this?"). The expression 'someplace' is common in US informal speech, equivalent to the British 'somewhere'.
Connotations
Both varieties share similar connotations. In formal contexts, 'place' can sound more refined than 'put'.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] in a/the place[V] a place in/on/at something[V] place something on/in/under somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A place in the sun”
- “Out of place”
- “Fall into place”
- “Put someone in their place”
- “Between a rock and a hard place”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We need to secure our place in the market." (competitive position); "Please place the order with the supplier." (verb form).
Academic
"The study examines the place of religion in secular societies." (role/position).
Everyday
"This is my favourite place to eat." (location); "Can you place this on the shelf?" (verb).
Technical
"The decimal place was shifted." (mathematics); "The actuator returned to its home place." (engineering).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He placed the vase carefully on the mantelpiece.
- I'd place him among the top five authors of the century.
- The company was placed in administration.
American English
- She placed the books back on the shelf.
- Can you place an order for more paper?
- He placed third in the race.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; used in compounds like 'someplace', which is chiefly US).
- They're going someplace nice for holiday.
American English
- Let's go someplace else.
- I must have left my keys someplace.
adjective
British English
- Place settings were laid for twelve.
- The place name 'Stow-on-the-Wold' is historic.
American English
- She won a place-kick in the rugby match.
- The place mat was stained with coffee.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like this place.
- Your pen is in the wrong place.
- We go to a quiet place at the weekend.
- This is the place where we first met.
- The meeting will take place on Tuesday.
- He got a place at university.
- The new policy has no place in a modern society.
- She placed great emphasis on teamwork.
- Can you place his accent?
- The novel explores the individual's place within the collective.
- The shares were placed with institutional investors.
- His arrogance finally put him in his place.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dinner PLATE. You PUT food on a specific place on the PLATE. PLACE = a specific spot to PUT something.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL HIERARCHY IS A PHYSICAL PLACE ("know your place", "rise to a higher place"), UNDERSTANDING IS GRASPING A POSITION ("I can't place her face").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'место' for abstract positions like 'job' (it's a 'position' or 'job', not a 'place').
- In Russian, 'ставить/положить' are common for 'put'; 'place' as a verb is more formal/precise.
- "Take place" means 'происходить/случаться', not 'брать место'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'place' redundantly (e.g., 'the place where I went there').
- Confusing 'place' (general location) with 'room' (enclosed space or opportunity).
- Incorrect preposition: 'in this place' (correct) vs 'on this place' (incorrect for location).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'place' is metaphorical?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. As a noun, it means a location or position. As a verb, it means to put something in a specific location.
'Put' is more common and general. 'Place' often implies more care, precision, or formality. E.g., 'Place the specimen under the microscope' sounds more deliberate than 'Put it there'.
It is a common phrasal verb meaning 'to happen' or 'to occur'. E.g., 'The concert takes place tonight.'
Not directly. You get a 'job', 'position', or 'role'. However, you can say 'He earned his place on the team', meaning he deserved his position within the group.