don't delay

USAGE SUMMARY

'don't delay' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate to someone that they should not take too long to do something. For example, you could say, "Don't delay - I need your report by Friday!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So please, don't delay.

The New York Times

"Don't wait, don't delay".

The Guardian

But don't delay.

The New York Times

Don't delay her vote.

The Washington Post

Don't delay, do it soon".

The Guardian - Sport

"Also, they don't delay care.

The New York Times

If you are graduating soon, don't delay!

University of California, Berkeley

Don't delay getting to the hospital.

Harvard University

Don't delay, take the survey today.

University of California, Berkeley

Applications are due soon – don't delay!

Stanford University

So don't delay – take charge today.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "don't delay" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what action needs to be taken promptly. This adds clarity and urgency to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "don't delay" when the situation doesn't genuinely require immediate action. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't delay" functions as an imperative, urging immediate action. Ludwig AI shows its common usage across various contexts, reinforcing its direct and actionable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

29%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "don't delay" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that urges immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, showing its presence across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and general writing. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it judiciously to maintain its intended impact. When writing, make sure the message is clear and the sense of urgency is real. Alternatives like "act now" or "without delay" can offer stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act now

Direct and forceful call to immediate action, omitting the negative constraint.

do it now

Similar to "act now" but more general, urging immediate completion.

without delay

More formal and emphasizes the absence of any waiting period.

promptly proceed

Highly formal, suitable for professional contexts, suggesting an ordered progression without hesitation.

expedite the process

Focuses on speeding up an existing process, applicable in business or project management.

hasten to

An archaic expression indicating speed and eagerness in undertaking an action.

time is of the essence

Highlights the critical nature of acting quickly due to limited time.

there's no time to lose

Emphasizes the urgency and the potential negative consequences of inaction.

get a move on

Informal, urging someone to start doing something quickly.

step on it

Very informal, similar to "get a move on" but more direct.

FAQs

How can I use "don't delay" in a sentence?

Use "don't delay" to urge someone to act quickly. For example, "The registration deadline is approaching, so "don't delay" registering!"

What are some alternatives to "don't delay"?

You can use alternatives such as "act now", "do it now", or "without delay" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "don't delay"?

Yes, "don't delay" is grammatically correct. It's a common imperative phrase used to advise or instruct someone to not postpone an action.

What's the difference between "don't delay" and "don't procrastinate"?

"Don't delay" generally advises against any kind of postponement, while "don't procrastinate" specifically targets the habit of putting things off, often due to avoidance or indecision. They are similar, but "don't procrastinate" focuses more on the psychological aspect of delaying.