defer the process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defer the process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a procedure or action will be postponed or delayed. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to defer the process until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Armstrong said that the executive moves "will neither deter nor defer the process we've put in place to review those financial and strategic and financial options".

The New York Times

"Given this flexibility, we will only purchase from the international market when the price and other terms are suitable, and in this instance, we decided to defer the process and to wait for a better price".

The New York Times

On Sunday, a Shiite organization called the Fudhala Group distributed a leaflet in the city that blamed the occupying forces for the violence, saying the British and Americans deliberately withheld services in order to distract Iraqis from their lack of freedom and to defer the process of writing a national constitution.

The New York Times

It is better to be sensible and defer the process for a further period of time, and ensure that all the mechanisms including the judicial mechanism is delivered together to the satisfaction of those actually affected.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These measures are helping to erode the inventory of manufacturers in a relatively orderly manner, but may be deferring the adjustment process the automakers will later face.

Forbes

Deferring the peace process will not offer a respite for reassessment but a prelude for unimaginable violent escalation of the conflict from which only the detractors of peace can reap the greatest benefit.

Huffington Post

It wanted the government to defer the open grant and tender process until it could clarify eligibility criteria and other areas of concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the dream is deferred, but the process still dazzles.

The New York Times - Magazine

If one accepts that informed consent is often not truly possible in the paediatric critical care context, obtaining approval in principle (assent) would allow informed consent, when needed, to be deferred and the process continued until parents are available and/or competence is achieved [ 6].

BMC Medical Ethics

So, should coaches defer the opening kickoff?

The New York Times - Sports

Defer income and you defer the tax bill on it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defer the process", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for postponement and the anticipated timeframe for resumption.

Common error

Avoid using "defer the process" when you intend to convey a complete cancellation, as "defer" implies a temporary delay, not a permanent cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defer the process" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of postponing or delaying a specific procedure. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defer the process" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys the postponement or delay of a specific procedure or action. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While not extremely frequent, it's a clear and effective way to communicate a temporary halt, as distinct from a cancellation. Consider related alternatives like "postpone the procedure" or "delay the action" depending on the desired level of formality and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the procedure

Replaces "defer" with "postpone" and "process" with "procedure", maintaining a similar level of formality.

delay the action

Substitutes "defer" with "delay" and "process" with "action", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

suspend the activity

Replaces "defer" with "suspend" and "process" with "activity", suggesting a temporary halt.

hold off on the undertaking

Uses "hold off" instead of "defer" and "undertaking" instead of "process", conveying a sense of postponement.

put the matter on hold

Employs "put on hold" to replace "defer", indicating a temporary suspension of the matter.

shelve the project

Replaces "defer" with "shelve" and "process" with "project", suggesting a potential indefinite postponement.

table the motion

Substitutes "defer" with "table" and "process" with "motion", often used in formal meeting contexts.

adjourn the proceedings

Replaces "defer" with "adjourn" and "process" with "proceedings", commonly used in legal or formal settings.

slow down the workflow

Rephrases to focus on slowing the pace rather than stopping it entirely.

recess the undertaking

A more formal substitute using "recess" which implies a temporary break.

FAQs

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

You can use "defer the process" to indicate a postponement or delay. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to "defer the process" until further notice".

What's a less formal alternative to "defer the process"?

Less formal alternatives to "defer the process" include phrases like "delay the action" or "put off the task".

What is the difference between "defer the process" and "cancel the process"?

"Defer the process" means to postpone it temporarily, whereas "cancel the process" implies stopping it permanently. Deferral suggests a later resumption, while cancellation means termination.

When is it appropriate to use "defer the process" in professional writing?

It is appropriate to use "defer the process" in professional writing when you need to formally communicate the postponement of a procedure or action, providing a clear and concise explanation for the delay. Consider alternatives, such as "postpone the procedure", for similar situations.