deferring it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deferring it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of postponing or delaying something to a later time. Example: "We are deferring it until we have more information to make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Sometimes deferring gratification temporarily could mean deferring it forever.

The New York Times

State politicians seem either unable or unwilling to agree on a budget and keep deferring it for fear of having to reveal the truth of their fiscal problems.

The New York Times

The second increase was due to take effect starting May 1, but many firms, in agreement with unions, are deferring it.

The New York Times

The second increase was due to take effect starting May 1, but many companies, in agreement with unions, are deferring it.

The New York Times

Scaling back the submarine replacement plan — or deferring it, as the junior partner, the Liberal Democrats, urge — could save enough to keep the army at its current strength of 105,000.

The New York Times

Says he's deferring it all to Grassley.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Underwood also mentions a well-known self-help book by David Allen called Getting Things Done, with its "do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it" approach to emptying in-trays.

The Guardian - Tech

Don't forget that tax-deferred accounts do not eliminate tax, they only defer it.

Forbes

It just defers it for a certain period of time.

The New York Times

"If I had known that motion could have been deferred I would have deferred it.

The Guardian

No. Or will parting be any easier for us if I defer it?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deferring it", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "deferring it" if the noun it refers to is not explicitly stated or easily understood from the surrounding text. This can lead to confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deferring it" functions as a gerund phrase, where "deferring" acts as a verb in its continuous form and "it" serves as the object. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, confirming that it describes the act of postponing something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deferring it" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies the act of postponing or delaying something. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While "deferring it" is generally acceptable, clarity is crucial; always ensure that the referent of "it" is clear. Consider alternatives like "postponing it" or "delaying it" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Keep in mind to prevent ambiguity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postponing it

Direct synonym, focusing on delaying an event or action to a later time.

delaying it

Similar to postponing, but can also imply causing something to be late.

putting it off

Informal way of saying delaying something, often with a sense of reluctance.

suspending it

Suggests a temporary stoppage with the intention of resuming later.

shelving it

To postpone something indefinitely, with little prospect of it being reconsidered.

holding it back

Suggests restraining or preventing something from happening now.

deferring its implementation

More specific, focuses on delaying the start or execution of a plan or project.

adjourning it

Formal term for temporarily suspending a meeting or legal proceeding.

tabling it

To postpone discussion or consideration of a topic, usually in a formal setting.

remeasuring it

Changing the timing by using a different method, or cadence.

FAQs

How can I use "deferring it" in a sentence?

You can use "deferring it" to indicate the action of postponing something to a later time. For example: "The committee is "delaying it" until more information is available".

What's a more formal alternative to "deferring it"?

A more formal alternative could be "postponing its implementation" or "suspending its execution", depending on the context.

Is "deferring it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "deferring it" is grammatically correct. "Deferring" is the gerund form of the verb "defer", and "it" serves as the object being deferred.

When is it appropriate to use "deferring it"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe the action of delaying something. It works well in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings.