stall too long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stall too long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is delaying or taking an excessive amount of time to proceed. Example: "If we stall too long, we might miss the opportunity to secure the deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Term sheets usually come with an expiration date, and even when they don't, it's considered bad form to stall too long after receiving one.

TechCrunch

Don't stall too long.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And if Salmond failed to agree the deal or stalled for too long, Cameron was prepared for "the nuclear option" of staging a Westminster-run referendum.

The Guardian

"With this new law, builders and investors can begin construction in real estate projects that have been stalled for too long, and get our hard hats back to work," said Mr. Bush, who was flanked on the East Room stage by a group of construction workers in T-shirts and blue jeans.

The New York Times

The new law will hopefully help jumpstart privacy reform on the federal level that has been stalled for too long.

TechCrunch

We've been stalling for too long," said Marcia McNutt, the incoming president of the National Academy of Sciences and the first woman to lead the nation's premiere science organization that provides advice to the Federal Government.

Huffington Post

I linger in the stall for slightly too long.

Vice

Google are using their dominance to force an issue that has been stalled for far too long – but the difference is that they are using their force for potentially a greater good (I hope).

TechCrunch

Consecutive stretches of adjacent slow-translating codons are avoided as they might locally stall the ribosomes for too long, thus increasing the risk of frameshift and premature ribosomal drop-off.

Plosone

That ardor cooled as Middle East peace talks stalled, and Mr. Obama stuck too long with Hosni Mubarak of Egypt.

The New York Times

Granted, it doesn't go as far as many advocates would prefer -- it relies on voluntary measures by the drug and livestock industries -- but it is an important first step in a debate that has been too long stalled.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stall too long", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the sense of unnecessary delay or hesitation. Often, more specific verbs might provide a clearer picture.

Common error

While "stall too long" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more precise alternatives like "unduly delay", "excessively postpone", or "unnecessarily protract" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stall too long" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating the act of delaying or postponing something for an excessive duration. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it is often used to express concern about missed opportunities or negative consequences of delaying.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stall too long" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of delaying or postponing something beyond a reasonable timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its frequency is relatively rare, its usage appears in varied contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. When writing, consider the context and aim for precision. In formal situations, alternatives like ""delay excessively"" or "procrastinate excessively" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances will help ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay excessively

Focuses on the act of delaying more than necessary.

linger excessively

Emphasizes the act of staying or remaining longer than necessary.

tarry too long

A more formal way of saying 'stay too long'.

procrastinate excessively

Highlights the postponement of an action to an unreasonable extent.

hold back too long

Suggests a reluctance to proceed or release something for an extended period.

wait unnecessarily long

Emphasizes the unnecessary nature of the prolonged waiting.

put off for too long

Focuses on postponing something until it becomes detrimental.

draw out needlessly

Highlights the unnecessary extension of a process or event.

hesitate for an extended period

Emphasizes the prolonged indecision before acting.

dilly-dally for too long

Implies a lack of seriousness while delaying.

FAQs

How can I use "stall too long" in a sentence?

You can use "stall too long" to indicate delaying an action or decision for an unreasonable amount of time. For example: "If we "delay excessively", the opportunity might be lost."

What's a more formal alternative to "stall too long"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "unduly delay", "protract unnecessarily", or "excessively postpone" instead of "stall too long".

Is it grammatically correct to say "stall too long"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, but its usage is relatively rare. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and provides real-world examples.

What does it mean to "stall too long" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, to "stall too long" means to delay making a decision or commitment, potentially causing the other party to lose interest or seek alternative agreements. It's akin to "delaying excessively".