"In '67 I was 17," he says simply, as if those words alone put his entire life into context.

That word, when said, would put their fate back into the hands of others.

Saying them words put a good idea in my head.

"One more word and I'll put this shaft through your heart."

The words put a pool of ice water around all their feet.

No, his words had been a compliment, and not too badly put.

One word from her would put an end to the relationship before it even began.

Among other things, the words put the commander's own life at risk.

A word from him would have put the matter right.

Oh, not his words so much as the distance it put between them.