What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dawdle
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework. [dawdling: gerund or present participle]
Example
We dawdled along the beach, enjoying the sunset. [dawdled: past tense]
procrastinate
Example
I always procrastinate when it comes to doing my taxes. [procrastinate: verb]
Example
Procrastination is the thief of time. [procrastination: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Procrastinate is more commonly used than dawdle in everyday language. Procrastinate is a well-known term that covers a wide range of contexts, while dawdle is less common and refers to a more specific type of delay.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dawdle and procrastinate?
Both dawdle and procrastinate are informal words that are suitable for casual conversation or writing. However, procrastinate may be used in more formal contexts, such as academic or professional writing, to describe a specific behavior or phenomenon.
