a slight postponement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight postponement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor delay or rescheduling of an event or deadline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will need to implement a slight postponement of the meeting originally scheduled for tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In what looked like a move to give Osborne an opportunity to save some face, Germany suggested a slight postponement and slight adjustment of the new regime.

The Guardian - Business

We had expected that the addition of a constitutively expressing construct of hTERT (pLOX-TERT-iresTK) to MSCs would solve the senescence [ 51, 52], but a slight postponement of senescence was observed.

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a slight delay," he said.

The New York Times

A slight?

The New York Times

A slight firm tilt.

The New Yorker

A slight smile rose.

The New York Times

A slight pause.

The New York Times - Sports

And a slight, crowded smile.

The New York Times

It is not a slight.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone" is a slight exaggeration.

The New York Times - Sports

He heard a slight buzz.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight postponement" when you want to communicate a minor delay without causing undue alarm or concern. It softens the impact of the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight postponement" repeatedly in formal announcements, as it can sound repetitive and undermine the seriousness of the situation. Vary your language with synonyms like "minor delay" or "brief deferral".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight postponement" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig confirms its usability for indicating a minor delay or rescheduling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight postponement" is a noun phrase indicating a minor delay, suitable for various contexts including news, science, and business. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's important to consider the audience and use appropriate alternatives like "minor delay" or "brief deferral" to avoid repetition. While versatile, be mindful of the specific context to ensure the tone aligns with the message. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor delay

Focuses on the brief duration of the delay, similar in meaning but less formal.

a brief deferral

Implies a temporary holding back, suitable for formal contexts.

a small rescheduling

Specifically refers to rearranging a schedule, emphasizing the change in timing.

a marginal adjustment

Suggests a small alteration in plans or timing.

a short reprieve

Indicates a temporary relief or break, often implying a welcome pause.

a temporary setback

Highlights the obstacle aspect of the delay, suggesting a minor impediment.

a fleeting interruption

Emphasizes the transient nature of the delay, highlighting its brief duration.

a momentary pause

Stresses the brevity of the interruption, applicable to ongoing processes.

a limited extension

Specifically refers to prolonging a deadline or timeframe by a short period.

a touch of delay

Informal and colloquial way to indicate a small delay

FAQs

What does "a slight postponement" mean?

The phrase "a slight postponement" refers to a minor delay or rescheduling of an event, meeting, or deadline. It indicates that the change in timing is not significant.

How can I use "a slight postponement" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight postponement" to inform someone about a minor delay. For example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be "a slight postponement" of the project deadline."

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor delay", "a brief deferral", or "a small rescheduling" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight postponement" in formal communication?

Yes, "a slight postponement" is generally appropriate for formal communication. However, consider the audience and the specific context. For very formal situations, "a brief deferral" might be more suitable.