stall for time

USAGE SUMMARY

"stall for time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to buy yourself more time in an awkward situation like a conversation. For example, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure how to answer that. Let me think about it and I'll get back to you. Can I stall for time to think of a response?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

You stall for time.

Harvard Business Review

Stall for time in the labor negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

Stalin could then stall for time.

The New Yorker

It fears the TTP will stall for time.

The Economist

No, not if we can stall for time.

The Washington Post

"That's a great question!" said Brown brightly, in what appeared to be a stall for time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Its use has become too much a staple: more tic or stall-for-time tactic than genuine need.

The New York Times - Sports

But stalling for time is wiser.

The Economist

Signif or stalling for time?

The Guardian

Well, you said, stalling for time.

The Guardian - Books

Carla said later: "He was just stalling for time.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stall for time" when you need to delay a decision or action strategically, usually to gain an advantage or prepare for something.

Common error

Avoid using "stall for time" as a long-term strategy; it's best suited for temporary delays. Continuously stalling without a plan can erode trust and create further problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stall for time" functions as a purpose connector, indicating an action taken to delay a situation or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It's commonly employed to gain an advantage, gather more information, or prepare for an upcoming event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stall for time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to describe the action of deliberately delaying an event or decision. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media where it's often used to depict strategic maneuvers. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to recognize that overusing it as a permanent tactic can be counterproductive. Consider using alternatives like "delay the process" or "gain time" depending on the situation. Remember to always use "stall for time" ethically and avoid misusing it as a crutch for long-term solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

buy oneself time

Focuses on acquiring more time through specific actions or strategies.

play for time

Implies a strategic approach to delaying, often in negotiations or conflicts.

gain time

Emphasizes the act of acquiring more time, often for a specific purpose.

temporize

Means to avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time.

delay the process

Focuses on slowing down the progression of an event or task.

hold off

Implies postponing an action or decision.

procrastinate

Highlights the act of postponing an action, often due to reluctance.

drag one's feet

Suggests reluctance and slow progress, intentionally delaying an action.

postpone the inevitable

Highlights delaying something that is bound to happen.

suspend action

Highlights the temporary halting of an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "stall for time" in a sentence?

You can say, "The negotiator tried to "stall for time" by asking irrelevant questions" or "The company decided to "stall for time" before announcing the merger".

What's a more formal way to say "stall for time"?

In a formal setting, you might use phrases like "delay the process" or "temporize" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it ever appropriate to "stall for time"?

Yes, it can be appropriate in situations where you need more information, are waiting for a critical event to occur, or need to strategize before making a decision. However, it's important to use it ethically and transparently.

What's the difference between ""stall for time"" and "procrastinate"?

"Stall for time" usually implies a deliberate, strategic delay with a specific purpose, while "procrastinate" often suggests a less purposeful postponement driven by reluctance or disinterest.