putting off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "putting off" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe the act of delaying or postponing something. For example, "I'm putting off my essay until tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But uncertainty is putting off investment.

The Guardian

I think it's putting off students who aren't privileged'.

Independent

Disclosure of financial information is awful, putting off potential buyers.

The Economist

Agreement is reached only by putting off difficult decisions indefinitely.

The Economist

The French interpret this as putting off substantial CAP reform.

The Economist

Shannon had been putting off looking for new employment.

The New York Times

This tactic works best when you're putting off larger tasks.

Harvard Business Review

Have you been putting off an important-but-difficult conversation?

Harvard Business Review

Have you been putting off an important, but difficult conversation?

Harvard Business Review

He says putting off the vote until January is unacceptable.

The Guardian

Work on that report you've been putting off.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "putting off" to describe the act of delaying something, often because it is unpleasant or difficult. For instance, instead of saying 'I am delaying the meeting,' say 'I am putting off the meeting'.

Common error

Avoid confusing "putting off", which means to delay, with "putting on", which can mean to dress oneself or to deceive. For example, saying 'I am putting on the task' is incorrect; the correct phrase is 'I am putting off the task'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "putting off" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a verb phrase that describes the action of delaying or postponing something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to express the act of delaying tasks, decisions, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "putting off" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that means to delay or postpone. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and applicable across a wide range of contexts, from formal business communications to casual conversations. While synonymous with terms like "delaying" and "postponing", "putting off" often carries the connotation of delaying something unpleasant or difficult. Remember to distinguish it from "putting on" to avoid errors, and leverage its natural tone to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delaying

This alternative is a direct synonym with broad applicability, similar to "putting off".

postponing

This alternative is a more formal synonym that emphasizes the act of delaying.

holding off on

This alternative suggests a temporary delay, often due to uncertainty or waiting for better conditions.

deferring

This alternative suggests a more official or structured postponement.

procrastinating

This alternative highlights the intentional or habitual aspect of delaying.

laying aside

This alternative suggests temporarily stopping a task or consideration.

shelving

This alternative implies setting aside a project or idea, often indefinitely.

suspending

This alternative refers to a temporary interruption or cessation.

rescheduling

This alternative specifically means to arrange a later time for an event or activity.

taking a rain check

This alternative is an idiom indicating a polite refusal with the intention of accepting at a later date.

FAQs

How to use "putting off" in a sentence?

You can use "putting off" to indicate delaying or postponing something. For example, "I'm "putting off cleaning" my room until tomorrow" or "She's "putting off making a decision" about the job offer".

What can I say instead of "putting off"?

You can use alternatives like "delaying", "postponing", or "procrastinating" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "putting off" or should I use another phrase?

"Putting off" is a perfectly correct and commonly used phrasal verb to describe the act of delaying something. It is suitable in many contexts, but you might choose a more formal synonym like "deferring" in certain situations.

What's the difference between "putting off" and "avoiding"?

"Putting off" specifically means to delay or postpone, while "avoiding" implies actively trying to prevent something from happening or encountering something altogether. You might put off a task because it's unpleasant, but you avoid something you fear or dislike intensely.