what is the difference between the words "put" and "set"?
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre las palabras "put" y "set"?

Today i was talking with my friend from south Dakota and i asked him something and he answered me "I set it on the table". then i asked him if put it was the same to set, he answred me somtimes is correct use both but not in all the cases. I want to know how can i know when i can use set like the example i put. Thanks.

Question

what is the difference between the words "put" and "set"?
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre las palabras "put" y "set"?

Today i was talking with my friend from south Dakota and i asked him something and he answered me "I  set it on the table". then i asked him if put it was the same to set, he answred me somtimes is correct use both but not in all the cases. I want to know how can i know when i can use set like the example i put. Thanks.

Answer

The difference between the two words is subtle. "Set" is typically the same meaning as "put", but "set" can imply a more gentle or deliberate action. 
For example: "He set the vase on the mantle carefully." 
However, "put" can imply a less deliberate action. For example: "I wasn't sure where the vase belonged, so I just put it on the table." Or: "Just put it down somewhere, we're in a hurry!"
In most situations, though, "put" and "set" can be used interchangeably.

Answer

"this set of plates must be put / set on the table."

considering the expression above, I think there's a difference in using "put" from "set".  "put" here may imply that you simply 'place' or 'lay' the set of plates on the table (it could be placed as stacked) while "set" suggests that you 'prepare' the plates on place on top of the table (it could be arranged for the meal party or the same).

:)

Answer

I put/placed the tablecloth on the table.
I set the table by putting the plates, knives and fork on the tablecloth.