defer until

USAGE SUMMARY

"defer until" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to put off doing something until a later time. Example: I will need to defer the decision until next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

(Wise vegans always defer until food isn't around).

The New York Times

Solving the garbage problem is one thing the city cannot duck, or defer until times improve.

The New York Times

The figures include compensation earned by Mr. Ford since 2008 that he agreed to defer until the company's automotive operations had returned to profitability.

The New York Times

When an issue is this complex, when it raises such strong feelings, it's easier for politicians to defer until the problem the next election.

The New York Times

There were measures to help business, such as the decision to defer until April 2010 an increase from 21% to 22% in the small-firm corporation-tax rate that was planned for next year.

The Economist

A s for Jerusalem, would it not be better to resolve all other pending questions first and defer until a later time decisions about the fate of the holiest of cities?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Specifics were deferred until later.

The New York Times

Shrinking the balance sheet is best deferred until markets improve.

The New York Times

Decisions on tax changes have also been deferred until next year.

The Guardian

But the matter was deferred until his Scottish trial was over.

The Guardian

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

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defer until" when you want to clearly state that an action or decision will be postponed to a specific future time or event. Be sure that the condition for the action to be taken from that moment on is met.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "defer until" in casual conversations may sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "delay" or "put off" in such scenarios to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defer until" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of postponing something to a later point in time. It specifies a condition or event that must occur before the deferred action can proceed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defer until" is a phrasal verb used to indicate the postponement of something to a specified future time or event. As noted by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used across varied contexts, especially in formal communication and news reporting. It's crucial to use it accurately and to be mindful of potential overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Remember to consider alternatives like "postpone until" or "delay until" for more natural-sounding conversations. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its correct usage in authoritative sources, reinforcing its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone until

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes a more formal or deliberate delay.

delay until

Focuses on the act of causing something to happen at a later time.

hold off until

Implies a temporary suspension of an action.

suspend until

Suggests a temporary cessation with an intention to resume later.

put off until

More informal way to say to postpone.

shelve until

Indicates that something is put aside, possibly indefinitely, until a specific condition is met.

table until

Often used in formal settings to delay discussion or action on a proposal.

carry over until

Suggests that something is moved to a later time, often in an accounting or organizational context.

adjourn until

Used in formal meetings to postpone proceedings until a later time.

reschedule for

Implies that something has been planned for a time, but the plan needs to be rearranged to meet a new time.

FAQs

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

You can use "defer until" to indicate postponing something to a later time or date. For example: "We will "defer until" next week's meeting to make a final decision."

What are some alternatives to "defer until"?

Alternatives include "postpone until", "delay until", or "hold off until". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "defer until" or "put off until"?

"Defer until" generally carries a more formal tone than "put off until". Use "defer until" in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "defer until" and "suspend until"?

"Defer until" implies postponing to a specific time, while "suspend until" suggests a temporary cessation that will be resumed later. The subtle difference is the certainty of being resumed later.