I was stalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was stalling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where you were delaying or postponing an action or decision, often to buy time. Example: "When the meeting started, I realized I was stalling because I didn't have a solid plan in place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

After picking and nibbling some more, I realized I was stalling, neglecting the white blob nestled in the yolk's center.

The New York Times

In the last few minutes I kept making substitutions, desperately seeking to find someone else who was awake, making the Manhattan coach start yelling that I was stalling.

The New York Times

He took it like I was trying to create some privacy for us, but in truth, I was stalling for time.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though I was stalled in what I told myself was another rough patch, the difficult parts of my childhood were well behind me.

The New York Times

Several days later, I found myself on a call with a coach and digital nomad who was curious about my book proposal-writing process (I was stalled in this process because it requires meeting many self-imposed deadlines, which we've established is not my forte).

Forbes

I'd gotten pretty good at the job, but this time I was stalled.

Huffington Post

I'm stalling.

The New York Times

Through a combination of a frugal lifestyle and family support, I'm now in a position to buy my own home, and yet I'm stalling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That didn't really get it your question, and maybe, putting my psychiatrist hat on, maybe I'm stalling because I don't want to answer your question.

Duke University

My wife thinks I'm stalling," he laughed.

Huffington Post

2) You haven't persuaded me, and I don't want to take the time to tell you why. 3) I'm not deciding favorably, but I fear confrontation and don't trust you so I'm stalling.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was stalling", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were delaying and why. Providing specific reasons can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "I was stalling" without specifying the object or reason for the delay. Overuse without context can make your writing vague and less engaging. Always clarify what you were stalling on to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was stalling" functions as a verbal phrase, where "was stalling" is the past continuous form of the verb "stall". It describes an ongoing action in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was stalling" is a grammatically sound and comprehensible way to express that one was deliberately delaying an action or decision in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While relatively common, it is important to provide context about what was being delayed. The examples show a primary usage in News & Media. Alternatives such as "I was delaying" or "I was procrastinating" can be used to add slightly different nuances. Understanding its use and context helps in more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was delaying

Focuses on the act of postponing something.

I was putting it off

Simple and direct way of saying one was postponing something.

I was playing for time

Emphasizes using delay as a tactic to gain an advantage or more information.

I was procrastinating

Highlights the tendency to postpone tasks, often due to laziness or avoidance.

I was dragging my feet

Shows reluctance and slow progress in completing a task.

I was deferring

Highlights the action of postponing to a later time.

I was temporizing

Suggests a deliberate delay to gain time or avoid making a decision.

I was marking time

Implies that actions are taken to fill time without making real progress.

I was hedging

Indicates avoiding a commitment by speaking ambiguously or vaguely.

I was prevaricating

Focuses on avoiding telling the truth or being direct.

FAQs

What does "I was stalling" mean?

The phrase "I was stalling" means that someone was deliberately delaying or postponing an action, decision, or process, often to buy time or avoid something unpleasant.

How can I use "I was stalling" in a sentence?

You can use "I was stalling" to describe a situation where you were delaying something. For example, "I knew I had to give the presentation, but "I was stalling" because I wasn't fully prepared."

What are some alternatives to "I was stalling"?

Alternatives to "I was stalling" include "I was delaying", "I was procrastinating", or "I was playing for time", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "I was stalling" formal or informal?

"I was stalling" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "I was temporizing" or "I was deferring."