be postponed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be postponed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an event or action that is delayed to a later time. Example: The meeting will be postponed until next week. Alternative expressions include "be delayed" and "be rescheduled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may now be postponed.

The Economist

It may well be postponed.

The Economist

Should vacations be postponed or canceled?

The New York Times

But the "ifs" would be postponed.

The New York Times - Sports

The reckoning, though, cannot be postponed forever.

The New York Times

It will have to be postponed.

The Economist

"It will definitely be postponed," he said.

The New York Times

The election may even be postponed.

The Economist

The probe may yet be postponed.

The Economist

The game had to be postponed.

The New York Times - Sports

The Singularity will be postponed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be postponed", clearly state the reason for the postponement and, if possible, provide a new date or timeframe for the event to maintain transparency and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that an event will "be postponed" without providing any indication of when it will be rescheduled. This can leave the audience uncertain and frustrated. Always aim to provide a revised timeframe, even if it's tentative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be postponed" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an event or action is the recipient of the action of being delayed. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be postponed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an event or action has been delayed. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various sources, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts. When using "be postponed", it's best practice to provide a reason for the delay and, if possible, a new timeframe. Avoid simply stating that something will "be postponed" without further clarification, as this can lead to confusion. Related phrases include "be delayed", "be rescheduled", and "be deferred", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be delayed

Indicates a general delay, similar to "be postponed" but without necessarily implying a scheduled rescheduling.

be put off

A more informal way of saying "be postponed".

be rescheduled

Implies that a new time or date has been set for the event.

be deferred

Suggests a more formal or official postponement.

be adjourned

Specifically refers to suspending a meeting or session to a later time.

be put on hold

Implies that an action is temporarily stopped.

be suspended

Suggests a temporary cessation, with the expectation of resumption.

be carried over

Means to transfer something to a later time or date.

be held over

Indicates that something is kept for consideration at a later time.

be tabled

Means to set something aside for future discussion or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "be postponed" in a sentence?

You can use "be postponed" to indicate that an event or action is delayed to a later time. For example, "The meeting will "be postponed" until next week."

What are some alternatives to "be postponed"?

Alternatives include "be delayed", "be rescheduled", or "be deferred", depending on the context. /s/be+delayed, /s/be+rescheduled, /s/be+deferred

Is it correct to say "was postponed" instead of "be postponed"?

"Was postponed" is the past tense form, used when the event has already been postponed. "Be postponed" is used in the infinitive form, often with modal verbs like "will", "should", or "may".

What is the difference between "be postponed" and "be cancelled"?

"Be postponed" means the event will happen at a later time, while "be cancelled" means the event will not happen at all.