What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
put off
Example
I keep putting off cleaning my room. [put off: verb]
Example
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. [put off: phrasal verb]
Example
The meeting has been put off until next week. [put off: past participle]
postpone
Example
We had to postpone the party due to bad weather. [postpone: verb]
Example
Let's postpone the discussion until we have more information. [postpone: verb]
Example
The game was postponed due to a power outage. [postponed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Postpone is more commonly used than put off in everyday language, especially in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between put off and postpone?
Postpone is more formal than put off, making it more appropriate for professional or academic settings. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
