Procrastinate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Procrastinate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions, often unnecessarily. Example: "I tend to procrastinate when it comes to starting my assignments, which often leads to last-minute stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you like this, check out How to pick your life partner, Why procrastinators procrastinate, and 11 Awkward things about email.

Independent

Temping can be pretty boring, especially when work is in short supply, but you must resist the urge to procrastinate!

The Guardian

Confirming the latest extension, federal officials urged buyers not to procrastinate.

The Guardian

He said: "As we sit here in these negotiations, even as we vacillate and procrastinate here, the death toll is rising.

The Guardian

Decluttering makes you feel like bathtime did when you were a kid: at best you procrastinate and at worst you put up a fight, but as soon as you do it you think, "That was fun: now I feel clean and can sleep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

FocusBooster for those of us who procrastinate.

The Guardian

Whether low prices help to galvanise reform or simply make it easier for governments to procrastinate still remains up in the air.

The Economist

If the FARC procrastinate, Mr Santos may be forced to walk away from the talks.

The Economist

In Denmark nudgers reckon that requiring members of the public to make a decision on whether to donate when applying for a driving licence, say will forcibly overcome an inclination to procrastinate over unpleasant choices.

The Economist

It's easy to procrastinate, to say "I'll get around to it".

The Economist

Drawing on the behavioural literature that found workers procrastinate on retirement planning, Ms. Madrian and Mr. Shea speculated that if workers avoid participation because it involves effort, then having to explicitly opt out should increase it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "procrastinate" when you want to emphasize the act of delaying something, especially due to laziness or avoidance. For example, "Don't procrastinate on important tasks."

Common error

Avoid using "procrastinate" when the delay is intentional and strategic. "Procrastinate" implies a negative connotation of avoidance, while strategic delay serves a specific purpose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "procrastinate" is as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't require a direct object. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the act of delaying tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "procrastinate" is a grammatically correct verb used to describe the act of delaying tasks or actions, often due to avoidance or laziness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and a review of usage examples reveals its frequent use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While generally discouraged, understanding the nuances of when and why people "procrastinate" is key. Alternatives like "delay", "postpone", and "put off" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Put things off

A more casual way of describing delaying tasks.

Drag one's feet

Implies reluctance and slow progress in addressing a task.

Delay action

Focuses on the postponement of a specific action.

Hold off on acting

Indicates a deliberate decision to wait before taking action.

Postpone indefinitely

Emphasizes the lack of a set date for rescheduling.

Defer commitment

Highlights avoiding a pledge or responsibility.

Stall for time

Suggests delaying tactics to gain an advantage or more time.

Table the matter

Formal term for postponing discussion or action on a specific issue.

Protract proceedings

To lengthen or extend the duration of an event or process, often unnecessarily.

Take a rain check

Informal term for postponing an invitation or plan.

FAQs

How do you use "procrastinate" in a sentence?

You can use "procrastinate" to describe the act of delaying tasks, such as: "I often "procrastinate" on writing essays until the last minute."

What's the difference between "procrastinate" and "delay"?

"Procrastinate" implies a voluntary and often negative delay due to avoidance or laziness, while "delay" is a more neutral term simply indicating a postponement. You might "procrastinate" on a task you dislike, but a flight might be "delayed" due to weather.

What are some alternatives to "procrastinate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "delay", "postpone", or "put off" instead of "procrastinate".

Is it always bad to procrastinate?

While procrastination is generally viewed negatively, some argue that it can be beneficial in certain situations, allowing for more creative or well-considered outcomes. However, chronic procrastination usually leads to stress and decreased productivity.