in deference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in deference" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate respect or submission to someone else's wishes or opinions. Example: "In deference to her experience, we decided to follow her recommendations for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They vary in deference and decision making.

Harvard Business Review

(I was allowed inside in deference to the Khan).

The New Yorker

Faithful followers in the stands sometimes bowed playfully in deference.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither would Sarah Lawrence, in deference to the family's wishes.

The New York Times - Style

Hindu men donned skullcaps in deference to Muslim custom.

The New York Times

In deference to his wishes, no services are currently scheduled.

The New York Times

In deference to his wishes, funeral services will be private.

The New York Times

Yet he would go to third in deference to Jeter.

The New York Times - Sports

In deference to my age, she does not text me.

The New Yorker

"In deference to my Puerto Rican friends," he said, winking.

The New York Times

Instead, many suppliers' product lines are neglected by resellers in deference to more compatible incentive offers.

Industrial Marketing Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in deference" when you want to show that an action is being taken out of respect or consideration for someone or something. This phrase is suitable for formal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in deference" when simply describing an action taken for practical reasons rather than out of respect or consideration. For practical reasons instead of "in deference" you may find alternatives like "because of", "due to" or "resulting from" more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in deference" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action is performed out of respect or consideration. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which provides numerous examples where "in deference" introduces the reason for a particular behavior or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in deference" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is taken out of respect or consideration for someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "in deference" is suitable for formal and professional settings, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding its misuse when describing actions taken for purely practical reasons. Alternatives like "out of respect for" or "in consideration of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post underscores its reliability and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of respect for

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of respect as the primary motivation.

in consideration of

This phrase highlights the act of carefully thinking about something before acting.

in compliance with

This suggests adherence to a rule, standard, or wish.

in accordance with

Similar to "in compliance", but slightly more formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

with regard to

This phrase focuses on the specific thing being considered.

in submission to

This suggests a yielding or surrendering to someone else's authority or wishes.

as a courtesy to

Highlights the polite and considerate nature of the action.

in homage to

Suggests that someone is being honored by the action.

giving way to

Implies yielding or conceding to another's preference.

taking into account

This highlights consideration when making a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "in deference" in a sentence?

Use "in deference" to indicate that an action is taken out of respect or consideration for someone or something, such as, "In deference to her age, we offered her a seat."

What are some alternatives to "in deference"?

You can use alternatives such as "out of respect for", "in consideration of", or "in compliance with" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "in deference to" or "out of deference to"?

"In deference to" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "out of deference to" is understandable, it is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "in deference" and "in reference"?

"In deference" implies respect or submission, while "in reference" means 'with regard to' or 'in relation to'. They have different meanings and are not interchangeable.