Phrasal verbs "prattle on" vs "sit on"

Differences between prattle on and sit on

Prattle on means to talk continuously and at length about unimportant things, while sit on means to delay or withhold something.

Meanings and Definitions: prattle on vs sit on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Prattle on

• 1. Talk too much.

  Geoff just PRATTLED ON instead of giving a straight answer.

Sit on

• 1. Be on a committee.

  She's SAT ON the finance committee from the beginning.

• 2. To handle somebody firmly who behaves impertinently, conceitedly.

  If his girlfriend finds out, she'll get mad and SIT ON him.

• 3. Hold information back or keep it secret.

  The government have been SITTING ON the report because it was so critical.

Usage Examples: prattle on, sit on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

prattle on

Example

She always prattles on about her favorite TV shows.

Example

He prattles on about his hobbies for hours.

sit on

Example

She sits on the school board to help make decisions for the students.

Example

He sits on the neighborhood association to improve the community.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Prattle on

ramble on

To talk continuously and at length about unimportant things.

Example

He rambled on about his vacation for hours, but I wasn't really interested.

chatter away

To talk continuously and excitedly about various topics.

Example

The kids chattered away about their favorite toys and games during the car ride.

babble on

To talk continuously and incoherently, often due to nervousness or excitement.

Example

She babbled on during the interview, making it hard for the interviewer to understand her answers.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sit on

put off

To delay or postpone doing something.

Example

I keep putting off cleaning my room, even though it's getting messier every day.

hold back

To delay or restrain oneself from doing or saying something.

Example

She had to hold back her tears during the emotional movie scene.

keep in reserve

To withhold or save something for future use or need.

Example

The company decided to keep some funds in reserve for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “sit”

• sit for
• sit back
• sit with
• sit in for
• sit in on

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• jam on
• take on
• lean on
• pin on
• grass on

Differences in prattle on vs sit on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: prattle on or sit on?

In daily conversation, people use prattle on more often than sit on. This is because prattle on is used to describe someone who talks too much, which is a common occurrence in everyday life. Sit on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about delaying or withholding something. So, while both phrases are used, prattle on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of prattle on and sit on

Prattle on and sit on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of prattle on and sit on

The tone of prattle on and sit on can differ based on context. Prattle on often carries a negative or annoyed tone when related to someone talking too much, while sit on typically has a neutral or slightly negative tone, especially when referring to delaying or withholding something.

prattle on & sit on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Prattle on

Synonyms

• ramble
• babble
• chatter
• yammer
• blabber
• talk incessantly
• natter
• drone on

Antonyms

• listen
• be quiet
• be concise
• be brief
• stay silent
• keep quiet

Sit on

Synonyms

• participate
• join
• serve
• be a member
• be part of
• belong to
• hold a position

Antonyms

• leave
• resign
• quit
• withdraw
• abandon
• step down
• give up