delay the deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'delay the deadline' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you are talking about postponing or pushing back the date or time that something needs to be completed by. For example: "We need to delay the deadline for the project if we want to make sure that it is completed to a high standard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But Mr. LaHood used his authority to delay the deadline.

The New York Times

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, he said, was alarmed and asked if they should delay the deadline.

The New York Times

McClatchy announced plans to effectively delay the deadline to repay debt.

The New York Times

To avoid embarrassing Mr. Hu, the Treasury Department could delay the deadline for weeks.

The New York Times

Don't delay: The deadline is the close of the day, as in midnight, on Wednesday.

The Washington Post

The Treasury resorted to accounting trickery to delay the deadline and then a deal would be done at the last minute.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Some experts predicted a groundswell of demands from Congress and elsewhere to delay the deadlines.

The New York Times

18 Delay Urged in Security Rules The top officials of 39 airports warn that air travel will be disrupted unless Congress delays the deadline for screening checked bags.

The New York Times

Olli Rehn, the Europe's economic and monetary commissioner, has already suggested the EC might agree to delaying the deadline on the condition France reduces its public deficit to 3% by the end of 2014.

The Guardian

The two companies had planned to complete the $150 million deal by the end of January, then delayed the deadline by a month in the hopes of receiving approval from China.

The New York Times

LOS ANGELES — While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sorts out changing rules for its documentaries Oscars — having delayed the deadline for voting on its short list of candidates until Nov. 26 — the International Documentary Association is marching ahead with its own awards process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting to "delay the deadline", provide a clear justification for the extension, outlining specific reasons why the current deadline is unattainable and what benefits the delay will bring.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that you need more time; instead, provide concrete reasons for the requested delay. For instance, instead of saying "We need to "delay the deadline"", explain that "We need to "delay the deadline" due to unforeseen technical challenges and the need for additional testing to ensure quality."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay the deadline" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of postponing or extending a previously set date or time for completion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delay the deadline" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the postponement of a specific due date. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While suitable for most situations, considering more formal alternatives like "defer the deadline" may be appropriate in academic or highly structured environments. When requesting to "delay the deadline", providing clear justifications and realistic new dates is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend the deadline

Changes the verb to 'extend', focusing on lengthening the time available.

postpone the deadline

Uses 'postpone', which emphasizes putting the deadline off to a later time.

reschedule the deadline

Emphasizes setting a new, later date for the deadline.

push back the deadline

Uses a phrasal verb 'push back' for a more informal tone, meaning to postpone.

defer the deadline

Replaces 'delay' with 'defer', suggesting a temporary postponement.

grant a deadline extension

Focuses on the act of giving additional time, rather than the act of delaying.

move the deadline

Uses 'move' to indicate a change in the deadline's timing.

adjourn the deadline

Adjourn implies a temporary suspension, different from a permanent delay.

suspend the deadline

Indicates a temporary halting of the deadline, suggesting it might be reinstated.

prolong the deadline

Prolong suggests making the deadline longer, emphasizing duration.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "delay the deadline"?

You can use phrases like "extend the deadline", "postpone the deadline", or "reschedule the deadline" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask to "delay the deadline"?

It is appropriate to ask to "delay the deadline" when unforeseen circumstances, such as technical difficulties, resource constraints, or scope changes, make it impossible to meet the original deadline.

How do I politely request to "delay the deadline"?

When requesting to "delay the deadline", be sure to provide a clear explanation of why the delay is necessary, acknowledge any inconvenience it may cause, and propose a new, realistic deadline.

Is "delay the deadline" formal or informal?

"Delay the deadline" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might opt for a synonym like "defer the deadline".