kept putting it off

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept putting it off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to someone procrastinating or avoiding a task, either in the present or over an extended period of time. For example: "I had been meaning to write my essay, but I kept putting it off until the night before it was due."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"He just kept putting it off," Mrs. Miuccio said.

The New York Times

"By then I was so deep in Trumpland, I kept putting it off," he said.

The New Yorker

He had a temper, and I just kept putting it off – never found the right time.

The Guardian

But I just kept putting it off, and then I would lose the thread".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He kept putting it off," Dr. Prystowsky said of the decision to get a defibrillator.

The New York Times

"We should have done it a while ago but we kept putting it off," Ms. Friedman said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They keep putting it off and putting it off".

The New York Times

And pay the maintenance already — Moshe keeps putting it off, and it's beginning to be unpleasant.

The New Yorker

It is too easy to keep putting it off, and you can end up drifting apart very quickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

I keep putting it off but I have lots of thoughts and I just have to sit down and cook it up.

The Guardian

Specialists also suspect that many people with Type 2 diabetes need to start taking insulin but keep putting it off because they dread the shots.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific verb, such as "procrastinated" or "delayed", might provide a clearer or more nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "kept putting it off" when describing a one-time event. This phrase implies a pattern of behavior. Instead, use "put it off" for single instances of delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept putting it off" functions as a verb phrase indicating the repeated action of delaying or postponing something. It describes a continuous behavior of avoiding a task or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept putting it off" is a common and acceptable way to describe the repeated act of delaying something. It is generally neutral in tone and is seen most frequently in news and media sources. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and effectively communicates procrastination or avoidance. When using this phrase, ensure that you are describing a pattern of behavior, not a single instance of delay. If aiming for increased formality, consider using alternatives such as "deferred" or "postponed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

procrastinated on it

Focuses specifically on the act of procrastination.

delayed addressing it

Highlights the postponement of dealing with a matter.

postponed dealing with it

Similar to 'delayed', but with a stronger sense of intentional rescheduling.

held off on it

Suggests a deliberate decision to wait before proceeding.

avoided dealing with it

Highlights the act of trying to not deal with a specific issue.

put it on the back burner

An idiom suggesting a lower priority.

deferred action on it

A more formal way of saying 'postponed'.

dragged my feet on it

An idiom indicating reluctance and slow progress.

shelved it for later

Implies a temporary removal from active consideration.

tabled it for now

Often used in meetings to indicate postponement of a discussion.

FAQs

What does "kept putting it off" mean?

The phrase "kept putting it off" means to repeatedly postpone or delay doing something, often because it's unpleasant or difficult.

What can I say instead of "kept putting it off"?

You can use alternatives like "procrastinated on it", "delayed addressing it", or "postponed dealing with it" depending on the specific context.

Is "kept putting it off" formal or informal?

"Kept putting it off" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and some formal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "deferred" or "postponed".

How to use "kept putting it off" in a sentence?

You can use "kept putting it off" to describe a habitual delay. For example: "I knew I needed to do my taxes, but I "kept putting it off" until the last minute."