postpone for the present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "postpone for the present" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a decision or action will be delayed for the time being. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to postpone for the present our plans for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hearing this, I said, 'Now I cannot vote for this amendment, because there is an agreement going on, and I prefer that the vote be postponed for the present.

The New York Times

All three things postpone for the future the solution.

The New York Times

The wedding has been postponed for the moment.

The New York Times - Arts

Beqa's trial was recently postponed for the 15th time.

Vice

He planned to invade Sicily as if to overthrow the tyranny of Agathocles and restore their independence to the Siciliots; but postponing this campaign for the present, he sailed to Corcyra, and after getting possession of the city exacted a great sum of money and installed a garrison, intending to use this place as a base and to await a chance to take part in the affairs in Greece.

University of Chicago

(Eisenhower) made the call to postpone for 24 hours.

The Washington Post

In sum, it is critical to postpone alcohol debut age and to prevent problem drinking, such as drunkenness, for the present and future well-being of adolescents.

BMC Public Health

Design your happiness for the present with all the wondrous gifts God has blessed you with instead of postponing it for a future date.

WikiHow

They can't postpone the search for the meaning to life.

Stanford University

To postpone the discussion for the next step without inhibiting a highly productive discussion.

BMC Medical Education

As a result, the programme was postponed for six months.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "postpone for the present" when you want to clearly communicate that a decision or action is being delayed, but not cancelled. This phrase is suitable when you anticipate revisiting the matter in the future.

Common error

Avoid using "postpone for the present" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "delay for now" or "hold off for the moment" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "postpone for the present" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of delaying something temporarily. It specifies that the postponement is not permanent, implying a later reconsideration. Although Ludwig confirms its usability, its relatively rare occurrence suggests it's not a common expression.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "postpone for the present" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a temporary delay. However, its infrequent usage makes it less common in everyday language, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's best suited for neutral to formal contexts where the temporary nature of the delay needs emphasis. Consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, be mindful of the alternatives available and choose the one that best fits your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Defer for the time being

More formal and emphasizes a temporary suspension.

Suspend for now

Implies a temporary halt with the possibility of resumption.

Hold off on for the moment

Suggests a cautious delay, often due to uncertainty.

Put on hold temporarily

Commonly used to indicate a short-term delay.

Delay until further notice

Indicates an indefinite delay until more information is available.

Shelve for the interim

Suggests putting something aside for a temporary period.

Table for now

A more formal term for postponing discussion or action.

Adjourn for the present

A very formal term, often used in meetings or legal contexts.

Stay for the moment

Indicates a temporary pause or suspension.

Remand for the interim

Legal term for sending a case back for further action at a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "postpone for the present" in a sentence?

You can use "postpone for the present" when you need to delay something, but only for the time being. For example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must "postpone for the present" our plans for expansion."

What are some alternatives to "postpone for the present"?

Some alternatives include "defer for the time being", "suspend for now", or "hold off on for the moment". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is "postpone for the present" formal or informal?

"Postpone for the present" leans toward the more formal side. In informal settings, consider using expressions like "delay for now" or "put on hold temporarily".

What's the difference between "postpone" and "postpone for the present"?

"Postpone" generally means to delay something. Adding "for the present" specifies that the postponement is temporary, suggesting the matter will be revisited. This nuance is key when you want to emphasize the temporary nature of the delay.