waffling on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waffling on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is being indecisive or talking in a vague or lengthy manner without making a clear point. Example: "During the meeting, he kept waffling on about the project details without providing any concrete solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian - Music

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7.03pm: Jools Holland is waffling on somewhere on one of the stages I can't really see.

The Guardian - Music

"I am, for the first time, waffling on this one," added a Michigan Republican.

Huffington Post

Patrick Caulfield was one of the greatest British painters of the mid-20th century and, incidentally, a critic's dream - there is enough narrative in one painting to keep an art writer waffling on for hours.

The Guardian - Arts

Now he is waffling on that".

The Guardian

I got really annoyed with everyone, waffling on".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Romney was not the only candidate who appeared be waffling on something.

The New York Times

As the reporter pressed her again, she added: "There's no waffling on the health care bill.

The New York Times

BBC bigwigs are always waffling on about taking politics to the people.

The Guardian

The bottom line is that Mr. Bush's waffling on assault weapons will mean more dead Americans.

The New York Times

He seems to be waffling on whether to have it removed.

The New York Times

He said he might not support Mr. Hagel's nomination because of what he saw as waffling on that point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waffling on" when you want to convey that someone is speaking at length without making a clear or decisive point. It's particularly effective in informal contexts to describe politicians, speakers, or anyone avoiding directness.

Common error

Avoid using "waffling on" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "being indecisive" or "speaking ambiguously" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waffling on" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe someone who is speaking or writing at length without a clear purpose or direction. It implies a lack of focus or decisiveness, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

The Guardian - Music

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Vice

3%

BBC

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waffling on" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes someone speaking or writing in a lengthy and indecisive manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid using "waffling on" in strictly formal settings, opting instead for alternatives like "being indecisive" or "speaking ambiguously". As Ludwig examples demonstrate, this phrase effectively conveys a lack of clarity or purpose in communication, making it a useful tool for commentary and criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rambling on

Focuses more on the disorganized and lengthy nature of the speech.

beating around the bush

Emphasizes avoidance of a direct answer or topic.

speaking ambiguously

Highlights the lack of clarity in the communication.

dodging the question

Specifically refers to evading a direct response.

equivocating

Implies using vague language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.

hedging

Suggests limiting commitment or risk by being intentionally vague.

pussyfooting around

Indicates being overly cautious and indirect.

mincing words

Implies carefully choosing words to avoid offending or being direct.

being evasive

Directly points to avoiding giving a clear or direct answer.

circumlocuting

Refers to speaking in a roundabout way, often to avoid a specific topic.

FAQs

What does "waffling on" mean?

The phrase "waffling on" means speaking or writing at length in a vague or trivial manner. It often implies indecisiveness or avoiding a clear point.

How can I use "waffling on" in a sentence?

You can use "waffling on" to describe someone who is talking too much without saying anything important. For example, "The politician was "rambling on" about the economy, but he didn't offer any real solutions."

What are some alternatives to "waffling on"?

Alternatives to "waffling on" include "rambling on", "beating around the bush", or "speaking ambiguously" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "waffling on"?

"Waffling on" is suitable for informal settings when describing someone's speech as lengthy, vague, or indecisive. It is less appropriate for formal writing or professional communications.