defer the answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"defer the answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are not able to give an immediate answer and would prefer to wait until a later time. For example, you could say, "I need to think about that a bit more. Let's defer the answer until tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll defer that answer to the actors, writers, singers and comedians who make light of politics in the show "Political Subversities," playing Saturdays at 9 30 p.m. through May at the People's Improv Theater.

The New York Times - Arts

But for such an ambitious book to defer the basic question it sets out to answer is not really good enough.

The Guardian - Books

So, should coaches defer the opening kickoff?

The New York Times - Sports

Defer income and you defer the tax bill on it.

Forbes

Sapna Malik, a partner at the law firm Leigh Day representing Belhaj and his wife, said on Sunday: "[This case is] the latest attempt by the UK government to deploy dubious legal arguments and political scaremongering to defer having to answer the simple allegations at the heart of this case, to stand up in court and admit what the UK's role was in this sordid affair and who authorised it.

The Guardian

Asked on a conference call about the future of the UK business, which has been the subject of speculation about a sale, Thorburn deferred his answer until the end of the month when the next scheduled announcement is due.

The Guardian - Business

We answer the first question here, while deferring the latter to subsequent sections.

BMC Systems Biology

"What happens to a dream deferred," the poet Langston Hughes asked, and many African American writers attempted to answer that question, variously, through stories that mingled pride, perplexity, and rage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the long upswing deferred the reckoning.

The New York Times

So I deferred the musical climax".

The Guardian - Film

"No, it defers the day of reckoning".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defer the answer" when you need more time to formulate a complete or accurate response. It's better to delay than to provide an incomplete or incorrect answer.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "deferring the answer" always conveys negativity. While it can signal evasion, it often indicates thoughtfulness and a desire for accuracy, so ensure context clarifies your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defer the answer" functions as a verb phrase where "defer" acts as a transitive verb taking "the answer" as its direct object. It communicates the action of postponing or delaying a response. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defer the answer" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies a postponement in providing a response. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it might not be exceptionally common, it is appropriate in a variety of contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing. Its neutral register allows for flexible use depending on the specific scenario. Remember to use it when you need more time to formulate a complete or accurate response, as accuracy is valued over immediacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the response

Replaces "defer" with "postpone", emphasizing the act of delaying the answer.

delay the response

Uses "delay" instead of "defer", highlighting the action of putting off the answer until later.

hold off on the answer

Emphasizes waiting before giving the answer, using a more informal tone.

put off answering

Focuses on delaying the action of answering, changing the grammatical structure.

table the response

Uses a more formal, often parliamentary, term for postponing a decision or answer.

reserve judgment on the answer

Indicates withholding a final decision or answer until more information is available.

withhold the answer

Highlights the act of deliberately keeping the answer back.

not answer immediately

A more descriptive alternative focusing on the timing of the answer.

shelve the response

Suggests setting aside the answer, possibly indefinitely.

take the question under advisement

Formally acknowledges the question and indicates that the answer will be considered later.

FAQs

How can I use "defer the answer" in a sentence?

You can use "defer the answer" when you want to postpone giving a response until a later time. For example, "I need to research this further; let me defer the answer until tomorrow".

What does it mean to "defer the answer"?

To "defer the answer" means to postpone giving a response or decision until a later time. It suggests a delay, often for further consideration or to gather more information.

What can I say instead of "defer the answer"?

You can use alternatives like "postpone the response", "delay the response", or "hold off on the answer depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "defer the answer"?

It's appropriate to "defer the answer" when you need more time to consider the question, gather more information, or consult with others before providing a response. It signals thoughtfulness and a commitment to accuracy.