a substantial postponement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial postponement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant delay or deferral of an event or deadline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are facing a substantial postponement of the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And many experts think the Palestinian people, who would prefer a real state to a nominal one, could be persuaded to endure another postponement if they saw any tangible progress, like a substantial transfer of West Bank land.

The New York Times

Postponement of a public investigation would not achieve sufficient promptness where some allegations are already quite old, and where there is a substantial risk that IHAT's investigation will not be effective".

Independent

This is a substantial grievance.

The Economist

A substantial and satisfying volume.

Independent

This is a substantial upgrade".

The New York Times

A substantial irony enters here.

The New York Times

That is a substantial amount.

The Economist

We made a substantial bid.

The Guardian

A Substantial Drink Problem.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A substantial hole.

The New Yorker

A substantial amount.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing this phrase; it's appropriate for formal reports, news articles, and situations where the gravity of the delay needs to be highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial postponement" for minor delays. Save it for situations where the delay has real consequences or impacts project timelines, budgets, or other important factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial postponement" functions as a noun phrase, where "postponement" is the noun and "substantial" is an adjective modifying it. It indicates that a delay or deferral is significant in scope or impact. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial postponement" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant delay or deferral. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it is most frequently found in news articles, scientific documents, and formal business communications. When employing this phrase, it is essential to ensure the postponement warrants the emphasis implied by the adjective "substantial", reserving it for delays with noticeable consequences. Alternatives include "significant delay" or "major rescheduling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant deferment

Replaces "postponement" with "deferment" and "substantial" with "significant", maintaining a similar level of formality.

considerable delay

Uses "delay" instead of "postponement", focusing on the time aspect, and "considerable" for emphasis.

major rescheduling

Highlights the act of rescheduling, indicating a significant change in plans.

extensive deferral

Emphasizes the length or scope of the deferral.

lengthy delay

Focuses specifically on the duration of the delay.

significant setback

Indicates a more negative consequence, suggesting the postponement is a hindrance.

major hold-up

An informal way to describe a significant delay.

prolonged suspension

Suggests a temporary cessation that is longer than expected.

extended adjournment

A more formal term for a postponement, often used in legal or official contexts.

marked delay

Uses "marked" to emphasize the notability of the delay.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there has been "a substantial postponement" of the project deadline."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial postponement"?

Consider using alternatives like "significant delay", "major rescheduling", or "extensive deferral" depending on the specific context.

Is "a substantial postponement" formal or informal?

"A substantial postponement" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic settings. Less formal options include "major hold-up".

What distinguishes "a substantial postponement" from a simple postponement?

The adjective "substantial" emphasizes the significance and impact of the delay, indicating it's more than just a minor adjustment. It suggests that the delay is considerable and has noteworthy consequences.