could be deferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be deferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of postponing or delaying an action or decision. Example: "The meeting could be deferred to next week if more time is needed for preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

These objections are unconvincing; taxes could be deferred until the home is sold (perhaps on death).

The Economist

Another possibility is that the choice of the commission president could be deferred.

The Economist

The anticipated dramatic advances could be deferred if the Court feels the parties before it lack "standing".

The New Yorker

Failing a resolution in the next few weeks, some smart money is betting that the whole issue could be deferred until the autumn.

The Economist

Sir David Walker, a former specialist adviser to the Treasury Select Committee, suggested that bonuses could be deferred for three to five years.

Independent

But Ms. Segarra complained that this year, Mr. Levy rebuffed the board's request that he draw up a list of projects that could be deferred or cut.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

And taxes on inherited family farms and businesses could easily be deferred, if need be, until they were sold.

The New York Times

War with Khwārezm would doubtless have come sooner or later, but now it could not be deferred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He linked the troubles at home to the threats from abroad by suggesting that they collectively posed a challenge that could not be deferred.

The New York Times

In the memo, Mr. Sullivan appears to argue that some of WorldCom's network costs could likewise be deferred until customers signed up to use those networks.

The New York Times

In the mid-1990s, Waste Management became notorious for the way in which it treated all sorts of routine expenses as the costs of acquiring contracts, costs that could thus be deferred for years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be deferred", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being postponed and the reason for the potential delay. This avoids ambiguity and provides clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "could be deferred" without specifying what action or decision is being deferred. This can lead to confusion and require the reader to make assumptions, weakening the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be deferred" functions as a passive construction indicating a possibility of postponing or delaying an action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be deferred" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express the possibility of postponement or delay. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the subject of deferral is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "could be postponed" or "might be put off" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be postponed

Replaces "deferred" with "postponed", implying a temporary delay.

could be delayed

Substitutes "deferred" with "delayed", suggesting a slowing down or putting off.

might be put off

Uses "put off" instead of "deferred", indicating a less formal postponement.

may be held back

Replaces "deferred" with "held back", implying a withholding or restraining.

can be rescheduled

Suggests a change in schedule, implying a later time will be set.

can be adjourned

Implies a formal suspension or temporary cessation, often in meetings or legal contexts.

is subject to deferral

Emphasizes the possibility of deferral as a condition or rule.

could be shelved

Suggests the idea may be put on hold, possibly indefinitely.

could be suspended

Implies temporary cessation, often in legal or official contexts.

can be set aside

Suggests reserving or postponing for future consideration.

FAQs

How to use "could be deferred" in a sentence?

Use "could be deferred" to indicate the possibility of postponing or delaying something. For example, "The decision could be deferred until the next meeting".

What can I say instead of "could be deferred"?

You can use alternatives like "could be postponed", "could be delayed", or "might be put off" depending on the context.

Is "could be deferred" formal or informal?

"Could be deferred" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What is the difference between "could be deferred" and "should be deferred"?

"Could be deferred" indicates a possibility or option, while "should be deferred" implies a recommendation or advisability to postpone.