put it off

USAGE SUMMARY

"put it off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a phrasal verb meaning to delay or postpone something, or to choose not to do something. For example: "I don't feel like getting started on this project right now, so I think I'll just put it off until tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They just put it off and put it off".

The New York Times

Or put it off until next year.

The New York Times - Arts

I can't put it off much longer.

The Guardian - Opinion

The move to Chelsea put it off the beaten path.

The New York Times

That's why he put it off until now.

Independent

Last week Mr Prodi put it off to 2010.

The Economist

How did she put it off so long?

The Economist

"It just means they'll put it off until May".

The Guardian - Business

We cannot afford to put it off for another decade".

The New York Times

I put it off as much as possible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But his firm needed him and he put it off.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put it off" when you want to convey a sense of delaying something, often due to a lack of enthusiasm or a desire to avoid it. It's appropriate for everyday conversations and informal writing.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse the phrasal verb "put it off" (delay) with the verb "put off" (to discourage or repel). For example, "His bad attitude put me off" means his attitude discouraged me.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "put it off" functions as a verb of postponement, indicating the act of delaying or rescheduling an action or task. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage. Examples provided by Ludwig show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put it off" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb that means to delay or postpone something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, with some usage in wikis and business settings. When writing, be mindful not to confuse "put it off" with "put off", which has a different meaning (to discourage). Consider alternatives such as "delay" or "postpone" depending on the context and level of formality. Understanding these nuances will help you use "put it off" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay

A more formal and direct synonym for postponing something.

postpone

Similar to delay, but often implies a more formal or official rescheduling.

procrastinate

Implies a habitual delay, often due to reluctance or avoidance.

shelve

Suggests putting something aside, potentially indefinitely.

defer

A more formal term for postponing, often used in official or legal contexts.

hold off on

Suggests waiting before starting something.

table

To postpone discussion or consideration of something.

suspend

To temporarily prevent from continuing or being in force or effect.

adjourn

Typically refers to postponing a meeting or session.

lay aside

To put something aside for future consideration or use.

FAQs

How can I use "put it off" in a sentence?

You can use "put it off" to describe delaying or postponing something. For example, "I didn't feel like doing my homework, so I decided to "put it off" until tomorrow."

What are some alternatives to "put it off"?

You can use alternatives like "delay", "postpone", or "procrastinate" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to "put it off" or address it immediately?

Whether to "put it off" or address something immediately depends on the situation. If it's a minor task or you need more information, "putting it off" might be fine. However, for important or urgent matters, addressing them immediately is generally better.

What is the difference between "put off" and "put it off"?

"Put off" can mean to discourage or repel someone, while ""put it off"" specifically means to postpone something.