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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is deferred to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is deferred to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where a decision, action, or responsibility is postponed or assigned to someone else. Example: "The final decision on the project is deferred to the board of directors for further review."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(19)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
38 human-written examples
Nature is deferred to and seems to return the compliment.
News & Media
Both are at very low interest rates, and repayment is deferred to the distant future.
News & Media
If an early applicant is deferred to the regular admission round, new test records can be considered, admission officers announced on the university's Web site.
News & Media
Instead, her skepticism is deferred to Detective Boney, who's more aggressively questioning of Amy in the interrogation than in the book.
News & Media
The winner of the FedEx Cup gets a $10 million annuity, which is part of the controversy, because the money is deferred to the winner's retirement account and not wheeled onto the 18th green Sunday, as Phil Mickelson suggested.
News & Media
The proof is deferred to Appendix "Proofs".
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
21 human-written examples
Mr. Obama is deferring to the Democratic leaders, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada and Representative Nancy Pelosi of California.
News & Media
"Your relative power and authority are greater, everyone is deferring to you.
News & Media
Another adaptation that drivers with glaucoma may make is deferring to another driver.
Science
Menthol was deferred to later studies.
News & Media
But reparations were deferred to a future peace treaty.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what the item is being deferred to, and why the deferral is occurring.
Common error
Avoid using "is deferred to" when you mean something is simply delayed without a specific entity taking responsibility. In such cases, "is postponed" or "is delayed" might be more appropriate.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is deferred to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a decision, action, or responsibility is being postponed and assigned to another party. Examples from Ludwig show its use in both formal and scientific writing.
Frequent in
Science
42%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "is deferred to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the postponement of a decision, action, or responsibility, which is then delegated to another entity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is predominantly found in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts. While it is considered formal, it is important to use it appropriately to convey the intended meaning of delegation rather than simple delay. Alternative phrases like "is referred to" or "is delegated to" can be used to provide variety or greater clarity in specific situations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is postponed until
Focuses specifically on delaying something to a later time.
is referred to
Highlights the act of directing something or someone to another entity.
is delegated to
Emphasizes the assignment of responsibility or authority.
is relegated to
Indicates something is assigned to a less important place or position.
is passed on to
Suggests a transfer of responsibility or decision-making.
is assigned to
Focuses on the allocation of a task or duty.
is held over until
Implies a temporary delay or continuation to a future point.
is put off until
Indicates a decision or action is delayed, often indefinitely.
is entrusted to
Highlights the act of giving someone responsibility with confidence.
is submitted to
Emphasizes presenting something for consideration or approval.
FAQs
How do I use "is deferred to" in a sentence?
Use "is deferred to" when you want to indicate that a decision, action, or responsibility is being postponed and assigned to someone or something else. For example, "The final decision is deferred to the board of directors."
What's the difference between "is deferred to" and "is postponed to"?
"Is deferred to" implies a transfer of responsibility or decision-making authority, while "is postponed to" simply means something is delayed until a later time. Use "is deferred to" when someone else is taking over; use "is postponed to" when it's just a delay.
What can I say instead of "is deferred to"?
You can use alternatives like "is relegated to", "is referred to", or "is delegated to" depending on the specific context.
Is "is deferred to" formal or informal?
"Is deferred to" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives like "passed on to" may be more appropriate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested