delay the decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay the decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to postponing or deferring a choice or conclusion about a particular matter. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to delay the decision regarding the new policy implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A compromise was reached after a bitter parliamentary debate in April last year for the Netherlands to buy one test aircraft and delay the decision to purchase operational aircraft until 2012.

The Guardian

"We hope not to delay the decision too long".

The New York Times

To delay the decision, he returned to Paris to enroll in Le Cordon Bleu.

The New York Times - Travel

Rigidity helped to delay the decision to kneel down on the diving-board.

The Guardian

But two days ago, he hinted he might delay the decision so he could visit Oregon.

The New York Times - Sports

But there are several hurdles that could delay the decision in parliament.

The Guardian

The survey includes the option to delay the decision to choose an airline itinerary.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

During the lead and cadmium crisis, the Belgian Government (mis)used scientific uncertainty to delay the decision-making process and pass over the problem in order to prevent panic.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

According to reports, officials had considered cutting the funding earlier this year but decided to delay the decision when peace talks began, awaiting diplomatic resolution.

The Guardian

Individuals delay the decision on retirement if the spouse is still working, in line with Baker and Benjamin (1999), Blau (1998), and Coile (2004), among others.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Piquemal is believed to have wanted to delay the decision on Hinkley until new money was successfully raised from the proposed asset sales.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delay the decision" when you want to indicate a conscious postponement of a choice, often to gather more information or wait for a more opportune moment. Be mindful of the implications of delaying, as it can sometimes be perceived negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "delay the decision" repeatedly if it reflects a pattern of indecisiveness. Instead, consider phrases that suggest proactive information gathering or strategic timing, which frame the delay as a deliberate choice rather than an avoidance tactic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay the decision" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "delay" acts as the verb and "the decision" as the direct object. It's used to describe the act of postponing or deferring a choice or conclusion, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "delay the decision" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the postponement of a choice. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While it is considered correct, it's important to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse that might suggest indecisiveness. Related phrases like "postpone the decision" or "defer the decision" offer similar meanings and can provide variety in your writing. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and avoids potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the decision

Emphasizes putting off the decision to a later time.

defer the decision

Suggests submitting to another's opinion or wishes regarding the timing of the decision.

put off the decision

Highlights procrastination or reluctance in making the decision.

hold off on the decision

Implies waiting before making a decision, often due to anticipation of new information.

table the decision

Refers to setting aside the decision for future consideration, often in a formal setting.

shelve the decision

Suggests putting the decision aside, possibly indefinitely.

suspend the decision

Indicates a temporary cessation of the decision-making process.

adjourn the decision

Formal term for postponing a decision within a meeting or formal setting.

procrastinate on the decision

Highlights the act of intentionally delaying the decision, often due to avoidance.

stall the decision

Emphasizes the use of delaying tactics to avoid making the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "delay the decision" in sentences like, "The committee decided to delay the decision until further research was conducted" or "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must delay the decision on the project's funding".

What are some alternatives to "delay the decision"?

Alternatives include "postpone the decision", "defer the decision", or "put off the decision", depending on the context.

Is it better to "delay the decision" or "defer the decision"?

"Delay the decision" generally means to postpone it to a later time. "Defer the decision" implies submitting the decision to someone else or postponing it out of respect or courtesy. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to "delay the decision"?

It's appropriate to "delay the decision" when you need more information, when external factors might change, or when you want to allow more time for consideration or negotiation.