delay the date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay the date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to postponing a scheduled event or deadline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have to delay the date of the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It could delay the date of the binding agreement if Whirlpool made an offer.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Arafat has suggested that the council would delay the date, now set for Sept. 13.

The New York Times

I propose to do so and with your permission I delay the date.

Yale University

Some even skipped doses of their existing medications, in order to delay the date on which they would need to pay to refill their prescription.

The Guardian - Money

Supporters of Mr. McCain in the State Legislature sought unsuccessfully to delay the date of the primary so it would not be as crucial in the primary calendar.

The New York Times

Later in life, they would delay the date at which they begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits to make up for the amount withdrawn during their leave.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

This substantially delayed the date from which Russia expected to see a return from the fields.

The Guardian - Business

Demographers originally expected California to reach its milestone in 2013, or even earlier, but slowing birth rates delayed the date.

The Guardian

He delayed the date by which companies must comply with a rule to prevent explosions and spills at chemical plants.

The New York Times

But the Marines delayed the date on which he was to report for duty until after his family returned to their apartment in Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

The primary was originally set for Super Tuesday, March 6, before the judges delayed the date to April 3 and then to Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "defer" or "postpone" instead of "delay" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "delay the date" intransitively (e.g., "The date delayed"). The verb requires a direct object, so specify what is causing the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay the date" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "delay" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (the date). Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delay the date" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that means to postpone or reschedule an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and business settings. While it's generally neutral in tone, more formal synonyms like "defer" or "postpone" might be preferred in highly formal situations. Remember to use the phrase with a direct object to clearly indicate what date is being delayed. Considering alternatives like "postpone the date" or "reschedule the date" can also add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the date

Replaces "delay" with "postpone", indicating a similar action of putting something off to a later time.

reschedule the date

Uses "reschedule" to emphasize the act of changing the date to a new one.

defer the date

Employs "defer", suggesting a more formal or official postponement.

put off the date

Replaces "delay" with the phrasal verb "put off", offering a more informal alternative.

extend the deadline

Focuses on the "deadline" aspect, using "extend" to mean making it longer.

push back the date

Uses "push back" to convey the action of moving the date to a later time.

adjourn the date

Replaces "delay" with "adjourn", typically used in formal or meeting contexts.

hold off on the date

Uses "hold off on" to suggest temporarily stopping or postponing the date.

suspend the date

Replaces "delay" with "suspend", implying a temporary interruption or postponement.

prolong the date

Employs "prolong" to indicate extending the date further into the future.

FAQs

What does "delay the date" mean?

The phrase "delay the date" means to postpone or reschedule something planned for a specific date to a later time. It implies that the original date will no longer be used and a new one will be set.

How can I use "delay the date" in a sentence?

You can use "delay the date" in a sentence like this: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have to delay the date of the meeting." Ensure the context is clear about what event's date is being changed.

What can I say instead of "delay the date"?

You can use alternatives like "postpone the date", "reschedule the date", or "defer the date" depending on the context.

Is "delay the date" formal or informal?

"Delay the date" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, "defer the date" might be preferred.