defer action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defer action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a decision to postpone or delay taking action on a particular matter. Example: "The committee decided to defer action on the proposal until the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Despite some marketers' breathless tones, Mr. Kies of PricewaterhouseCoopers said, most investors can safely defer action.

The New York Times

Republicans appear to believe they can simply defer action until 2015.

The Washington Post

Two factors overshadow the administration's evident desire to defer action in favor of endless, fruitless talks.

The Washington Post

They decided to defer action until they had more time to consider the recommendation.

The New York Times

"We remain concerned about potential plans for a large-scale effort to offer parole or to defer action on undocumented aliens in the United States," the senators wrote.

The New York Times

Justice Secretary Elsie Leung told a local cable television station this morning that she was not aware of any plan to defer action.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Individuals granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are encouraged to apply.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Durbin first proposed in April 2010 that the president should grant deferred action to young students.

The New York Times

A federal official said "only a handful" of immigrants had had their deferred action terminated.

The New York Times

For the last month, American and European officials had mostly deferred action on trade tensions with China.

The New York Times

Now that we have deferred action, we can plan actions at the border now.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defer action", clearly state the reason for the delay and, if possible, indicate when the action will be reconsidered. This provides context and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "defer action" without specifying the subject or context. Be specific about what action is being deferred to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defer action" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI states that the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Examples show its usage in various contexts where decisions or processes are deliberately postponed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defer action" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the postponement or delay of a decision or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. When employing "defer action", ensure that you provide clear context regarding the reason for the delay and, if feasible, the expected timeframe for reconsideration. Alternatives like ""postpone action"" or ""delay action"" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone action

Uses a direct synonym, 'postpone', maintaining a similar level of formality and directness.

delay action

Employs another synonym, 'delay', also preserving the original's straightforward nature.

hold off on acting

Rephrases the action as 'acting', adding a slightly more informal tone.

put off taking action

Adds the element of time ('put off'), emphasizing the postponement aspect.

suspend action

Suggests a temporary cessation of activity, potentially with a set restart time.

table the matter

A more formal idiom, typically used in meetings to postpone discussion or a vote.

shelve the issue

Implies setting aside an issue, potentially indefinitely, for later consideration.

take no action at this time

Specifies explicitly the inaction, which may convey a stronger sense of intentional delay.

refrain from acting

Suggests a conscious decision to abstain from any action on a matter.

hold in abeyance

A formal and somewhat archaic phrase meaning to temporarily suspend an action or decision.

FAQs

What does "defer action" mean?

The phrase "defer action" means to postpone or delay taking a specific action or making a decision on a particular matter. It suggests a temporary suspension rather than a permanent cancellation.

How can I use "defer action" in a sentence?

You can use "defer action" in sentences like, "The committee decided to "defer action" on the proposal until further information is available" or "The government chose to "defer action" in order to gather more data".

Are there synonyms for "defer action"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "postpone action", "delay action", or "hold off on acting", depending on the context.

Is it better to "defer action" or "take action"?

Whether to ""defer action"" or "take action" depends entirely on the situation. "Defer action" is appropriate when more information is needed or when circumstances might change. "Take action" is suitable when a decision must be made promptly.