phrasal verbs

[it is never too late]

hi,
what is the difference between put ,switch and turn (on ,off)
are the all correct to be used for operating any electric devices?
or the difference is only in formality?





plz answer me as soon as u can
Best Regards

[mykwyner]

Turn on, turn off, switch on and switch off are very common usages in American English. I don't remember ever hearing someone say "put on," or "Put off," an electrical device. It may, however, be common in other dialects of English.

[it is never too late]

thank you very much for your answer
the reason why i asked is that i felt it is kind wiered to use put on and off but that what is written in the book which is by the way a Britich one (elementary vocabulary by B J Thomas) a very famous one in my country.
i will be posting a lot of question regarding this book like for example why do we say I sat in the armchair while we use on with the sofa or is it because we more like to feel that we are sitting inside the armchair surronded by the arms

[Anglika]

We frequently use "put on" or "put off " - it is quite common - but quite as often use "switch" and "turn".

You could say sat on the armchair or sit in the sofa. The prepositions are both used.

[it is never too late]

thank you
so put on and off are commonly used in England.

we are directed in the book to use in with armchair and on with the sofa and the book gives excercises and the answers are at the end of the book and it says on with sofa and in with armchair
so i think im going to stick with what it said so i can get the full mark
and thaaaaaaaaaanks alot for your help and thank god i found this site

p.c i will be very gratefull if you point out any mistakes in grammar or spelling (except my own abbrevation which will be puplished in a book soon

[IvanV]

''Put off'' is commonly used when something loud is being played - music, for instance.

e.g. PUT IT OFF, I CAN'T STAND THAT 24/7 NOISE, I HAVE TO STUDY!!!

[Anglika]

Thank you
So put on and off are commonly used in England.

We are directed in the book to use in with armchair and on with the sofa and the book gives exercises and the answers are at the end of the book and it says on with sofa and in with armchair
so I think I'm going to stick with what it said so I can get the full mark
and thaaaaaaaaaanks a lot for your help and thank god I found this site

ps Iwill be very grateful if you point out any mistakes in grammar or spelling (except my own abbreviation which will be published in a book soon

Very wise!