could be postponed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be postponed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of delaying an event or action to a later time. Example: "The meeting could be postponed if the necessary participants are unavailable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Construction of nonemergency projects could be postponed.

The New York Times

Thinking the unthinkable could be postponed until the next recession.

The Economist

Still, these people cautioned that the decision could be postponed.

The New York Times

The test could be postponed if the weather is bad.

The New York Times

All thoughts of mortality could be postponed for another day.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The task of mending the public finances could be postponed until after the election.

The Economist

The plan is now scheduled to be unveiled next Friday, but it could be postponed again.

The New York Times

He said the vote could be postponed if a satisfactory solution was about to be achieved.

The New York Times - Sports

Courses in history, foreign languages and science could be postponed until college.

The New York Times

He added that this ruling is currently due on 26 August, though it could be postponed.

The Guardian

Still, these people cautioned, the agreement could be postponed or collapse.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be postponed" when you want to express a possibility, not a certainty. For guaranteed delays, use "will be postponed".

Common error

Avoid using "could be postponed" when the postponement is already confirmed. Use stronger phrasing like "has been postponed" or "is postponed" to reflect the certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be postponed" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It expresses the possibility that a certain event or action might be delayed to a later time. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be postponed" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating the possibility of delaying an event or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, with a neutral tone that lends itself well to both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that the postponement is indeed a possibility and not a certainty, and be mindful of the subtle differences between "could be postponed" and alternatives like "might be delayed" or "may be deferred". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, reflecting its utility in conveying uncertainty and managing expectations in current events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be delayed

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of postponement.

may be deferred

Uses "deferred" which implies a more formal or official postponement.

can be rescheduled

Focuses on the act of rescheduling, suggesting a new time will be set.

is subject to delay

Highlights the possibility of delay as an inherent characteristic.

is liable to be adjourned

Implies a formal suspension of proceedings, often used in legal or official contexts.

is open to being put off

Emphasizes the option of delaying the event, suggesting flexibility.

is susceptible to being held over

Suggests the possibility of holding something over to a later date, often due to external factors.

is capable of being deferred

Highlights the capability of deferring something, implying feasibility.

is eligible for postponement

Indicates that postponement is a permissible option under certain rules or conditions.

is deferrable

A more concise, formal way to express that something can be deferred.

FAQs

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

Use "could be postponed" when indicating a possibility or likelihood of delay. For instance, "The meeting "could be postponed" due to unforeseen circumstances".

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

You can use alternatives like "might be delayed", "may be deferred", or "can be rescheduled" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be postponed" or "will be postponed"?

"Could be postponed" indicates a possibility, while "will be postponed" indicates a certainty. The correct choice depends on whether the postponement is confirmed or just a possibility.

What's the difference between "could be postponed" and "should be postponed"?

"Could be postponed" suggests a possibility of delay, whereas "should be postponed" expresses an opinion that it's advisable or necessary to delay something.