postpone classes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "postpone classes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision to delay the start of classes for a specified amount of time. For example, "Due to the risks associated with COVID-19, the school district has decided to postpone classes for two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The university's board of directors decided on Thursday to postpone classes until further notice, according to a statement by the official Saba new agency.

The New York Times

Steve Vavrek, first selectman of Monroe, said the Newtown Board of Education had decided on Monday night to postpone classes for Sandy Hook students until January.

The New York Times

They have persuaded Dr. Krekshi to waive student fees, install free Internet and postpone classes until student fighters return from battles in the east.

The New York Times

The range is so strict that the appearance of a dis tant thunderhead cloud above the pine forest is enough to postpone classes, since static electricity from a storm might detonate the explosives.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hospital clinics had to be postponed, antenatal classes were cancelled and operating theatres were left empty on Monday as thousands of NHS staff staged their first strike in 32 years over pay.

The Guardian

Hundreds had to postpone their arrival for classes or change their research plans.

The New York Times

Professors at Yale and Columbia universities and other elite schools postpone exams and cancel classes for students who could not deal with the election results.

The Washington Post

Ask them questions like: "In what ways could he/she be correct or incorrect?" Enjoy the experience: If you are heading to class and you are dreading it or feeling like you ought to just turn back and go home, it is time to reschedule the class or postpone it.

WikiHow

When Emily Mark arrived in Dublin to study art history at Trinity College, she postponed worrying about classes until she found a traditional musician to teach her the Irish style of playing five-string claw-hammer banjo.

The New York Times

At Public School 36 in St. Albans, Queens, the principal, Lynn M. Staton, said that if four or five students were missing from each of her school's third- through fifth-grade classes, she would postpone scheduled practice tests in math and English.

The New York Times

In a complaint seeking to postpone them for a year, three parents seeking class-action status allege that the closings would pose "significant disruption" to special-education students.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "postpone classes", clearly state the reason for the postponement to avoid confusion and maintain transparency.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that classes are "postponed" without specifying a new date or providing a reason. Always aim to provide clarity and alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "postpone classes" functions as a verb phrase where "postpone" is the transitive verb and "classes" is the direct object. It indicates the action of delaying or rescheduling classes to a later time. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "postpone classes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates the act of delaying or rescheduling classes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as on wikis. When using the phrase, it's important to provide clear reasons for the postponement to avoid confusion. Related phrases include "delay classes" and "suspend classes", which offer slightly different nuances. Remember to specify a new date or reason for the postponement to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay classes

This alternative uses a different verb with a similar meaning, focusing on the act of delaying rather than rescheduling.

defer classes

This alternative emphasizes the act of putting off the start or continuation of classes.

suspend classes

This phrase suggests a temporary cessation of classes, implying a potential resumption later.

hold off classes

This suggests delaying the commencement of classes until a later time.

reschedule classes

This emphasizes the intention to move classes to a later time, rather than simply delaying them.

put classes on hold

This idiom suggests a temporary interruption, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

call off classes

This indicates a cancellation, which may or may not be permanent.

adjourn classes

This formal term means to suspend a meeting or session to a future time.

interrupt classes

This phrase highlights the action of disrupting the ongoing classes, often due to unexpected events.

cancel classes

This implies a more permanent end to the scheduled classes.

FAQs

What does it mean to "postpone classes"?

To "postpone classes" means to delay or reschedule them to a later time. This is usually done due to unforeseen circumstances or scheduling conflicts.

What are some reasons to "postpone classes"?

Classes might be "postponed" due to weather conditions, strikes, holidays, or other unexpected events that prevent normal operations.

What can I say instead of "postpone classes"?

You can use alternatives like "delay classes", "suspend classes", or "reschedule classes" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "postpone classes" or "cancel classes"?

The decision to "postpone classes" or "cancel classes" depends on whether the classes will be held at a later date. "Postpone" implies a temporary delay, while "cancel" suggests a more permanent end.