Postpone until later

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Postpone until later" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something will be delayed or rescheduled for a future time. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will have to postpone until later our meeting about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Here is a look at some of the highlights of the budget — and some of the issues that Mr. Cuomo and lawmakers agreed to postpone until later in the legislative session in order to ensure they could complete the spending plan by the Monday deadline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Applicants may be admitted, denied, or postponed until later in the admission cycle.

Cornell University

The Thrashers said Heatley's knee was sore after a rehabilitation session yesterday, so his return to the ice was postponed until later in the week.

The New York Times - Sports

Union leaders said a strike remained very possible, with one adviser even suggesting that it could be postponed until later in the week.

The New York Times

But the employee, whose name was redacted, argued that the impression created by a potential bankruptcy would be bad whether it occurred at the time — in February — or if it were postponed until later.

The New York Times

The planned Broadway show "Vanities, a New Musical," scheduled to open on Feb. 26 at the Lyceum Theater, will be postponed until later in the season, its producers said Friday.

The New York Times

This article was amended on 26 August to clarify that the AFI screening of The Birth of a Nation was postponed until "later in the year" rather than cancelled indefinitely.

The Guardian - Film

Rapoport also suggested the meeting was postponed until later, writing that the Seahawks brass wanted Kaepernick "to consider how he wants to proceed on everything (not just anthem) and get together at a later date when his plans are formed". But Rapoport acknowledged that "those close to Kaepernick" were maintaining that the issue was specifically with the quarterback's kneeling.

The Washington Post

The smart money says we take that as a yes, although an official announcement might be postponed until later in the autumn (if Wang's days end up officially numbered, that could undermine the commercial appeal of the collection shown to press and buyers at Paris Fashion Week).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

White's wedding to his fiancée Stacy was postponed until later in the year due to the injury.

Wikipedia

On the other hand, couples may marry after a first birth, suggesting that marriage is not eschewed altogether, but simply postponed until later in the life course (Perelli-Harris et al. 2012).

European Journal of Population

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Postpone until later", ensure the context clearly indicates when "later" will be. If the specific time is unknown, consider specifying a general timeframe (e.g., "Postpone until next quarter").

Common error

Avoid using "Postpone until later" without providing any indication of when "later" might be. This can create uncertainty and frustration. Provide as much clarity as possible regarding the rescheduled timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Postpone until later" functions as a directive, indicating that an action or event should be delayed to a future, unspecified time. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Postpone until later" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is being delayed to a future time. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, offering a variety of examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to provide clarity regarding the timeframe to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "delay to a later time" and "defer until a future date". Be aware of vague timeframes to ensure clear communications, and provide as much clarity as possible regarding the rescheduled timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delay to a later time

Uses 'delay' instead of 'postpone' and rephrases 'until later' to 'to a later time'.

Defer until a future date

Replaces 'postpone' with 'defer' and uses 'a future date' for 'later'.

Reschedule for a later time

Focuses on rescheduling and uses 'a later time' for 'later'.

Put off until a later date

Uses the phrasal verb 'put off' to mean postpone and 'a later date' instead of 'later'.

Adjourn until a later session

More formal, using 'adjourn' and 'session' to imply a formal meeting or event.

Hold over until later

Uses 'hold over' to mean delay or postpone until a later time.

Suspend until a later point

Implies a temporary suspension until a later time.

Shelve for the time being

Suggests putting something aside temporarily, without a specific later date.

Table for future consideration

Formal term meaning to postpone a discussion or decision.

Park for now

Informal way of saying to set something aside temporarily.

FAQs

How can I use "Postpone until later" in a sentence?

You can use "Postpone until later" to indicate that something will be delayed or rescheduled for a future time. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will have to postpone until later our meeting about the project."

What are some alternatives to "Postpone until later"?

Alternatives include "delay to a later time", "defer until a future date", or "reschedule for a later time", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "delay" or "postpone until later"?

While "delay" and "postpone until later" both indicate a temporary hold, "postpone until later" specifically implies rescheduling to a future time, which may provide more clarity. "Delay" might suggest an indefinite suspension.

What's the difference between "postpone until later" and "cancel"?

"Cancel" means to abandon something entirely, while "postpone until later" means to delay it with the intention of rescheduling it at a future time. If something is cancelled, it will not happen; if it's postponed, it will happen at a later time.