a lengthy postponement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy postponement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a delay or deferral that is significant in duration. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are facing a lengthy postponement of the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For example, a sufficiently large and ongoing decrease, made possible through technological advances, in what Marx called "socially necessary labor time," that is, the amount of time required for the production of a single type of product, if replicated across enough different products, could by itself bring about a lengthy postponement of the system's collapse.

Journal of Chinese Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Pushing the other way is a growing body of civic groups, political parties and some foreign diplomats, who have called for a lengthier postponement of the parliamentary elections to ensure full disarmament and a process free of intimidation and hasty organization.

The New York Times

When thunder and lightning arrived shortly thereafter, it became obvious that a lengthy delay, if not postponement, was imminent.

The New York Times - Sports

The lengthy postponement in the proceeding raises questions about the fate of Mr. Gupta, the most prominent business executive ensnared by the government's insider-trading crackdown.

The New York Times

The lengthy postponement in the case, brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, raises questions about the fate of Mr. Gupta, the most prominent business executive ensnared by the government's insider-trading crackdown.

The New York Times

It was the sixth postponement, and without it the Netherlands would have had to reapply for a merger of the two banks, itself a lengthy process.

The New York Times

Such a lengthy fuss.

Independent

Weightlifting has a lengthy history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He recited a lengthy list.

The New York Times - Magazine

He faces a lengthy suspension.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everything requires a lengthy discussion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lengthy postponement" when you want to emphasize that the delay is not just a minor inconvenience, but a significant change in timeline. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being postponed and why its length matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a lengthy postponement" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "a long delay" or "a big delay" are more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy postponement" functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" is an adjective modifying the noun "postponement". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lengthy postponement" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a significant delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. While alternatives like "an extended delay" or "a prolonged deferral" exist, "a lengthy postponement" effectively conveys the idea of a substantial deferral. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where emphasizing the length of the delay is important, and avoid overusing it in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy deferment

Is a synonym with a similar tone and context

an extended delay

Focuses on the duration of the delay.

an extensive delay

Highlights the reach and comprehensiveness of the delay.

a prolonged deferral

Emphasizes the act of deferring to a later time.

a considerable delay

Highlights the significance of the delay.

a substantial postponement

Similar to considerable, but uses 'substantial' to indicate importance.

a significant delay

Emphasizes the impact of the delay.

a protracted delay

Highlights the drawn-out nature of the delay.

a long-term deferment

Focuses on the long-term aspect of the deferment.

a drawn-out suspension

Implies the delay is due to a temporary cessation.

FAQs

What does "a lengthy postponement" mean?

The phrase "a lengthy postponement" refers to a delay or deferral of an event, action, or decision that is significant in duration. It indicates that the postponement is not brief, but rather extends over a considerable period.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a lengthy postponement"?

The phrase "a lengthy postponement" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a delay is substantial and will have a noticeable impact. It's suitable for formal writing, business communication, and situations where the length of the delay is important to convey.

What can I say instead of "a lengthy postponement"?

You can use alternatives like "an extended delay", "a prolonged deferral", or "a considerable delay" depending on the context.

How does "a lengthy postponement" differ from "a short delay"?

"A lengthy postponement" emphasizes that the delay is significant in duration, implying a noticeable impact. In contrast, "a short delay" suggests a brief and inconsequential pause.