it cannot be postponed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be postponed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a particular event or action must occur at the scheduled time and cannot be delayed. Example: "The meeting is crucial for our project timeline, and it cannot be postponed under any circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

TO SOME there is nothing so urgent that it cannot be postponed in favour of a cup of tea.

The Economist

It cannot be adjourned, it cannot be postponed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In order to do so, it is important to insist on intervening before the illness, during its natural evolution which requires actions that cannot be postponed.

BMC Geriatrics

Ahmed has insisted that the election cannot be postponed, because the Constitution stipulates that it be held within 90 days of an interim government taking over.

The New York Times

They even argued that it was not clear to them as to how the law defines 'care that cannot be postponed'.

Global Health Action

The reckoning, though, cannot be postponed forever.

The New York Times

Indeed this is an idea that cannot be postponed".

Independent

The new millennium has consolidated ESR automation and a QC plan cannot be postponed.

Clinical Biochemistry

That's a message I heard recently when President Medvedev said that "freedom cannot be postponed".

The New York Times

Both will shed jobs in a restructuring that cannot be postponed.

The Economist

Domestically, however, the great encounters with London's two major clubs cannot be postponed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be postponed" when you want to emphasize the critical timing of an event or decision. This phrase clearly conveys that any delay is unacceptable or impossible due to circumstances.

Common error

While "it cannot be postponed" is grammatically sound, avoid overuse of passive constructions in your writing. Sometimes, active voice can make your message more direct and impactful. For instance, consider if 'we must proceed immediately' might be more effective in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be postponed" functions as a declarative statement expressing the impossibility of delaying a particular event, action, or decision. Ludwig AI validates this usage with examples from reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be postponed" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for conveying urgency and the impossibility of delay. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples across various reputable sources. While its frequency is uncommon, it is appropriately used in professional, news, and academic contexts. When writing, consider the impact of passive voice and whether a more direct construction might be more effective. Remember to choose alternatives that match the context and desired tone, and that you're using the correct one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it must happen without delay

Stresses the lack of time for deferment, changing the phrasing for emphasis.

it needs to occur immediately

Highlights the urgency for an immediate action or occurrence, different in its temporal emphasis.

immediate action is required

Highlights the necessity of immediate action; uses a passive voice.

it is imperative to proceed

Emphasizes the high importance and necessity of moving forward, differing in its formal tone.

it is essential to continue

Focuses on the necessity of continuing a process, varying slightly in its directiveness.

it is crucial to address it promptly

Focuses on the critical nature of addressing a specific issue without delay; more specific in its application.

it is vital to act now

Underscores the importance and immediacy of taking action, shifting the focus to action.

there is no time to lose

Indicates urgency by stressing the importance of prompt action; differs in its idiomatic nature.

it is of the essence to act

Emphasizes the critical importance of acting, using a more formal and somewhat archaic tone.

it is non-negotiable

Emphasizes that something is mandatory and cannot be altered or delayed; stronger in its assertion of necessity.

FAQs

How to use "it cannot be postponed" in a sentence?

Use "it cannot be postponed" to express that an event or action is urgent and must happen at the scheduled time. For example, "The deadline is firm; it cannot be postponed."

What can I say instead of "it cannot be postponed"?

You can use alternatives like "it must happen without delay", "it is essential to continue", or "immediate action is required" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it cannot be postponed" formal or informal?

The phrase "it cannot be postponed" is generally considered neutral to formal and is appropriate for professional, academic, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "it cannot be postponed" and "it should not be postponed"?

"It cannot be postponed" indicates a stronger sense of necessity and urgency, suggesting that postponement is impossible. "It should not be postponed" implies a recommendation against postponement but leaves open the possibility.