Put away/Put back
 

Hello

I would like to know if these phrasal verbs mean exactly the same or if there's a slight difference between them.

Example: 'Can I borrow these books?' 'Ok, but make sure to put them back/put them away when you've finished with them'.

Which of the two is more correct in this context?

Thank you for your help.

Re: Put away/Put back
 

That's a good question. Although I am not sure my guess would be "put them back when you are finished." I think this would be more correct because putting something "back" agrees with having taken it from the orignal place, used it, then put it back to the original place. Not "away" to the original place.

I think they're both correct. I'm not sure.

Re: Put away/Put back
 

Whoops messed this one up. Eric, can you delete it? - see below.

Re: Put away/Put back
 

Either is fine, and in many contexts they would mean the same thing. But as PronouncePro suggests "put back" indicates that they must go in the same place as they came from - which in some cases might not be where they are generally stored. EG :

- I found these books on David's desk. Do you think he'd mind if I had a look at them?
- No problem. he's not here today. But put them back on the desk this evening because I know he needs them tomorrow.

"Put them away" on the other hand assumes that the things are kept in a specific place, and the speaker wants them put in that place.

- Do you like my new shoes?
- Yes. But don't leave them in the living room. Put them away in the cupboard.
Here "back" is not possible, because the shoes have never been in the cupboard before. It's just the "right place" for them.

In many contexts though, both are possible.

- Where are the books I left on this table?
- Oh sorry - I didn't know you were still using them. I put them back/away in the cupboard.

"back" is possible because the speaker assumes they came from the cupboard and s/he is returning them; "away" is possible because it's the normal place where they are stored.

So : "put away" = tidy up. "put back" = return

Re: Put away/Put back
 

Thank you very much, I understand now.