adjournment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adjournment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as meetings or legal proceedings, to indicate the suspension or conclusion of a session. Example: "The committee decided on an adjournment until the following week to allow members more time to review the proposals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If they have the case adjourned or they seek an adjournment until the new year they don't.

Independent

Pandemonium inside the court twice forced the trial's adjournment.

The Guardian

In a Commons adjournment debate about the pension schemes of both the Telegraph and another business owned by the Barclay brothers, the Littlewoods store chain, the Conservative MP called the twins both "hypocritical" and "bullies".

The Guardian

It said the Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, and foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, had sought a six-month adjournment in September in an attempt to allow the two countries "to seek an amicable settlement".

The Guardian

"Let no one among us ever be blamed for dividing our people," he said.In this section A different country Jaw-jaw for now Their own men Blues Brothers No more own goals ReprintsThe president's deputy, William Ruto, also accused of masterminding electoral violence five years ago, was granted an adjournment by the ICC after finding himself in court in The Hague at the time of the attack.

The Economist

During this adjournment, a lone senator would drive to the Capitol every three days to gavel in and, seconds later, gavel out.Since Republican senators had pledged to block his preferred candidates, Mr Obama laughed off these pseudo-sessions and installed his nominees something George W. Bush did not dare to do when Democrats used similar tactics against him in 2007.

The Economist

Whereupon certain members on the Ministerial side thought fit that they should be gagged; and persevered, with something very like stupidity, in refusing to permit the adjournment.

The Economist

At each adjournment he stood, touched his clasped hands to his forehead, and bowed to the crowded court.

The Economist

No sooner had his trial begun than he won an adjournment because one of his lawyers was ill.

The Economist

The court gave his deputy, William Ruto, who is being tried in a separate but related case, a brief adjournment to return to Kenya during the crisis, but it has since called him back.

The Economist

WHATEVER happens, the trial of the two Libyans accused of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, which resumed this week after a 13-day adjournment, will make legal history.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adjournment" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason and duration of the postponement. For instance, specify whether the adjournment is for a short break or a more extended period for further deliberation.

Common error

Avoid using "adjournment" to describe casual or brief pauses. "Adjournment" typically implies a more formal suspension of proceedings, not just a quick "break".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adjournment" is as a noun, referring to the act or state of suspending or postponing something, particularly a meeting, hearing, or session. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is often used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adjournment" is a noun that describes the act of suspending or postponing a meeting, hearing, or session. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and business communications. While alternatives like "postponement" or "suspension" exist, "adjournment" carries a specific connotation of formal proceedings. Its high frequency in authoritative sources underscores its relevance in describing planned breaks or suspensions in structured environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postponement

This term is a general synonym referring to delaying an event to a later time.

suspension

This refers to the temporary interruption of something, such as a meeting or activity.

recess

This suggests a short break within a session or meeting.

deferment

Similar to postponement, but often used in more formal or legal contexts.

rescheduling

This focuses on setting a new time for something that was previously planned.

intermission

This term is usually employed in the context of performances or shows, referring to a break between acts.

break

A simple and informal term for a pause in an activity.

hiatus

This suggests a more extended or indefinite break.

moratorium

This refers to a temporary prohibition or cessation of an activity.

stay

This often refers to a temporary suspension of legal proceedings.

FAQs

How is "adjournment" typically used in legal settings?

"Adjournment" in legal contexts refers to the temporary suspension of court proceedings. It can be requested for various reasons, such as to gather more evidence or allow parties to negotiate. Examples include seeking an "adjournment" until the new year, as mentioned in the provided text.

What are some common synonyms for "adjournment"?

Common synonyms include "postponement", "suspension", and "recess". The best choice depends on the specific context. "Suspension" might be more appropriate for a temporary halt, while "postponement" implies rescheduling to a later date.

When is it appropriate to use "adjournment" instead of "delay"?

"Adjournment" is more suitable in formal contexts, such as meetings, court sessions, or legislative assemblies, to indicate a planned break or suspension. "Delay" is a more general term that can refer to any kind of holdup or deferral, whether formal or informal.

What's the difference between "adjournment" and "prorogation" in parliamentary procedure?

"Adjournment" refers to a temporary suspension of a parliamentary session, whereas "prorogation" brings an end to a particular session of Parliament. Prorogation is more significant, as it concludes the session and requires a new session to begin with new business.