delaying the payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delaying the payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the postponement of a financial transaction or obligation. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are currently delaying the payment until next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

AvtoVAZ, a longtime tax deadbeat, handed the government a controlling stake last year in exchange for delaying the payment of about $100 million in tax bills.

The New York Times

He reached an agreement with English Heritage to open the house to the public for part of the year in exchange for delaying the payment of death taxes.

The New York Times

By merging them, one subsidizes the other, plus there is the added benefit that if you pay money on the health insurance, you are delaying the payment on the life insurance.

Columbia University

A few years ago, he used his American Express card to buy a Roy Lichtenstein at Sotheby's for $2.5 million, because he had calculated the interest he could earn by delaying the payment for a month.

The New York Times

Mr. Lacroix, who had been chief since 2003, put in place a financial restructuring that involved delaying the payment of fees owed to Walt Disney, the American parent, as well as delaying interest payments on some debt.

The New York Times

The scandal forced the government to shut down its payment system last week so it could investigate more than $4m£2.5m5m) that went missing, delaying the payment of salaries to teachers, nurses and doctors.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, said delaying the payments would be an unprecedented action that would only make the situation worse.

The Guardian - Business

But free cash flow was increased temporarily because the company delayed the payment of $200 million in bonuses to its employees.

The New York Times

On the other hand, the investigation should not be so exhaustive and time-consuming as unduly to delay the payment of benefits and to result in excessive costs.

Cornell University

But the lastminute decision to delay the payment, just hours after IMF managing director, Christine Lagarde, said she fully expected it to arrive, smacked of both desperation and defiance.

The Guardian

The 71-year-old vacuum cleaner tycoon is a member of Tamar Films, Tyne Films and Future Screen Partners — all schemes that delay the payment of taxes.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial matters, clearly state the reason for "delaying the payment" to maintain transparency and avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using overly vague terms to describe "delaying the payment", such as 'adjusting timelines'. This can obscure the real situation and damage trust. Be direct and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delaying the payment" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action that is being taken or considered. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delaying the payment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of postponing a financial transaction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use clear and direct language when discussing payment delays to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "postponing the payment" or "deferring the payment" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postponing the payment

Changes the verb from "delaying" to "postponing", indicating a temporary suspension with a planned future resumption.

deferring the payment

Replaces "delaying" with "deferring", suggesting a formal agreement to postpone the payment to a later date.

rescheduling the payment

Substitutes "delaying" with "rescheduling", emphasizing the act of changing the payment's timing to a new, specific date.

extending the payment deadline

Focuses on the deadline itself being moved, rather than the act of delaying.

suspending the payment

Indicates a temporary halt to the payment process, with possible implications of uncertainty.

holding off on the payment

Uses a more informal expression, suggesting a temporary pause before proceeding with the payment.

putting off the payment

Similar to "holding off", but slightly more direct and casual.

stalling the payment

Implies a deliberate attempt to postpone the payment, often to gain time or avoid immediate obligation.

protracting the payment

Suggests a drawn-out process of delaying, making the payment period longer than initially agreed.

shelving the payment

Indicates putting payment aside, often without a definite plan for future resumption.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "delaying the payment"?

You can use alternatives like "postponing the payment", "deferring the payment", or "rescheduling the payment" depending on the specific context and the nature of the delay.

Is "delaying the payment" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "delaying the payment" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, "deferring the payment" might be preferred.

What are the implications of "delaying the payment"?

The implications of "delaying the payment" can vary widely depending on the context. It could indicate financial difficulties, a strategic decision, or a temporary administrative issue. Clear communication is crucial to avoid negative consequences.

How does "delaying the payment" differ from "refusing the payment"?

"Delaying the payment" implies a temporary postponement with the intention of eventually making the payment. "Refusing the payment", on the other hand, indicates a complete rejection of the obligation to pay.