may be deferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be deferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of postponing or delaying something, such as a decision, action, or event. Example: "The meeting may be deferred to next week if the necessary participants are unavailable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

If the borrower makes less than $30,000 a year, that year's payment may be deferred, up to a total of 15 years from loan to repayment.

The New York Times

The court system as planned also means that the one crucial weapon in defence of such an attack - a strong validity challenge - may be deferred until after a defendant has been injuncted.

The Guardian

Both Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investors Service on Monday affirmed A.I.G.'s senior debt credit ratings, but downgraded its hybrid bonds on the risk that payments may be deferred.

The New York Times

MARY WILLIAMS WALSH Correction: March 20 , 2003 Thursday Because of an editing error, an article in the special Retirement section on Tuesday about alternatives to investing in stocks gave an incomplete description of I-bonds, which are inflation-protected Treasury bonds on which taxes may be deferred.

The New York Times

Precourt believes the Ohio sports market is ripe for the club to thrive and has vowed improvements, but Saturday's 1-0 loss to a ten man Seattle and every team above them in the East picking up at least a point, means that Columbus may be joining the also-rans of Toronto and DC United sooner rather than later this season, and any improvements may be deferred until at least the off-season.

The Guardian - Sport

James accepts that his dream may be deferred for now.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Piazza may be deferring an official declaration to ensure that the case will not be heard until after March 30, the start of the regular season.

The New York Times - Sports

These measures are helping to erode the inventory of manufacturers in a relatively orderly manner, but may be deferring the adjustment process the automakers will later face.

Forbes

Dated lobbies and dowdy hallways may not get a makeover for another year, he said, and upgrades on security cameras or health clubs may also be deferred.

The New York Times

A biopsy may reasonably be deferred, or if a biopsy shows low grade PC in a few cores, this patient is a good candidate for active surveillance.

Insights into Imaging

Treatment may therefore be deferred in asymptomatic patients but will require surveillance (watchful waiting).

Cancer Management and Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be deferred", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the possibility of postponement rather than a definite cancellation. For instance, use it when discussing flexible deadlines or potential delays in project timelines.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "may be deferred". Sometimes, an active voice construction clarifies who or what is doing the deferring, leading to clearer and more direct communication. For example, instead of "The decision may be deferred," consider "The committee may defer the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be deferred" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of postponing or delaying something. Ludwig shows its usage across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in expressing uncertainty about future timelines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be deferred" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the possibility of postponing or delaying an event, decision, or action. It is common in formal and professional contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis of its usage across scientific, news, and business sources. Its function is to express uncertainty about future timelines, providing a conditional outlook. While the phrase is correct, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice and ensure clarity in communication. Alternatives like "can be postponed" or "could be delayed" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is indeed usable and correct in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be postponed

Indicates a possibility of delaying something until a later time.

could be delayed

Suggests a potential delay, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

might be put off

Implies a less formal postponement, often due to convenience or preference.

can be held back

Suggests a deliberate withholding of something until a later date.

could be shelved

Indicates the possibility of putting a project or idea on hold indefinitely.

might be suspended

Suggests a temporary cessation or interruption.

can be adjourned

Implies a formal postponement of a meeting or session.

could be set aside

Suggests reserving something for future use or consideration.

might be rescheduled

Indicates a change in the timing of an event to a later date.

can be reassigned

Suggests a shift of responsibility or task to a later time or different person.

FAQs

How can I use "may be deferred" in a sentence?

Use "may be deferred" to indicate that an action, decision, or event might be postponed to a later time. For example, "The payment deadline "may be deferred" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "may be deferred"?

You can use alternatives like "can be postponed", "could be delayed", or "might be put off" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "may be deferred" in formal writing?

Yes, "may be deferred" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing potential delays or postponements in professional or academic settings. However, ensure that the context warrants the use of a possibility rather than a certainty.

What is the difference between "may be deferred" and "will be deferred"?

"May be deferred" indicates a possibility or uncertainty about the postponement, while "will be deferred" implies a definite decision to postpone something. The former suggests flexibility, whereas the latter indicates a firm plan.