How to say it · Money and everyday habits

Putting things off

There's a job you know you should do, and you keep finding reasons not to. You want to admit it, or push someone else, without sounding like a textbook.

6 ways to say it

How strongMildStrong

I keep putting it offbest default I've been meaning topolite excuse I'm procrastinating againhonest confession I can't seem to get startedstuck at the start I left it until the last minutedeadline panic Stop dragging your feetpush someone

Way 1 · best default

I keep putting it off

The everyday way to admit you keep delaying something, again and again.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I need to call the bank, but I keep putting it off.

My tax return's due on Friday and I keep putting it off.

In a conversation

A: Did you book the dentist in the end?
B: No, I keep putting it off. I hate the dentist.

Common mistake

Not: I keep ~~postponing my tasks.~~

Say: I keep putting it off.

"Postpone" is for planned events, like a meeting. For chores you avoid, people say "put off".

Practice saying this

Next: I've been meaning to

Way 2 · polite excuse

I've been meaning to

You planned to do it for a while but haven't yet. Soft, a little apologetic.

How strongVery mild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I've been meaning to call you for weeks!

Sorry, I've been meaning to reply to your email.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I have meant~~ to call you.

Say: I've been meaning to call you.

Use the continuous form, "I've been meaning to". It shows the plan has been there for a while.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm procrastinating again

Way 3 · honest confession

I'm procrastinating again

You admit you're doing anything except the real job, often with a laugh.

How strongMild

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

I've cleaned the whole kitchen. I'm procrastinating again, aren't I?

I should be revising, but I'm procrastinating again.

In a conversation

A: Why are you reorganising your bookshelf at midnight?
B: Because I'm procrastinating again. The essay's due tomorrow.

Practice saying this

Next: I can't seem to get started

Way 4 · stuck at the start

I can't seem to get started

You want to begin but have no energy for it. Sounds more stuck than lazy.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I've had the report open all morning, but I can't seem to get started.

I can't seem to get started on my CV.

Practice saying this

Next: I left it until the last minute

Way 5 · deadline panic

I left it until the last minute

You waited so long that now you're rushing. Common after the fact.

How strongStrong

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I left it until the last minute and had to pack at 3 a.m.

Sorry it's rushed. I left it until the last minute.

In a conversation

A: Why do you look so tired?
B: I left it until the last minute. I wrote the whole essay last night.

Practice saying this

Next: Stop dragging your feet

Way 6 · push someone

Stop dragging your feet

Telling someone else to stop delaying. Direct, so use it with people you know well.

How strongVery strong

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Stop dragging your feet and send the application.

The council keeps dragging its feet on fixing the road.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I keep putting it off I've been meaning to I'm procrastinating again I can't seem to get started

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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