postpone the decision

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to postpone making a decision, usually to a later date. For example: "Due to the current circumstances, we have decided to postpone the decision until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"We must postpone the decision," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Both approaches postpone the decision about how much goes into the family trust until someone dies.

The New York Times

But the court in Addis Ababa said it would postpone the decision until next month.

The New York Times

And then I had an opportunity to postpone the decision, when I got a fellowship to study at Oxford.

Harvard University

On Tuesday, EU trade ministers decided to postpone the decision to approve CETA, leaving the deal in limbo.

The Guardian - Opinion

(The result of the international meeting was to postpone the decision for three years, so you've got time to make up your mind).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Eventually we heard that they have decided to postpone the decisions for the next 'batch' by a few months.

Forbes

Do your best to postpone the decision-making for at least 1-2 weeks, to make sure they are not in such a worked-up state any more.

WikiHow

So South postponed the decision in diamonds.

The New York Times - Arts

When in December EU leaders postponed the decision Mr Tadic was bitter.

The Economist

That deadlock was broken Friday with a compromise that basically postponed the decision to September.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "postpone the decision", clearly state the reason for the delay to avoid ambiguity and maintain transparency. For example, "The board decided to postpone the decision due to incomplete data."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "We will postpone the decision". Specify a timeframe or triggering event for when the decision will be revisited to provide clarity and accountability. For example, say "We will postpone the decision until the next quarterly review" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "postpone the decision" functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it typically indicates the action of delaying a resolution or judgment. The grammatical function is further supported by its use in various sentence structures across different sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "postpone the decision" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of delaying a decision to a later time. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it's used across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While several alternatives exist, such as "delay making a choice" or "defer the judgment", this phrase remains a clear and widely understood choice. When using it, specifying the reason and timeframe for the postponement enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. This is important to prevent vagueness and ensure accountability in both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay making a choice

This focuses on the act of delaying the making of a choice, using different vocabulary.

put off the call

Uses "call" instead of "decision" and expresses the same action using the phrasal verb "put off".

defer the judgment

Replaces "decision" with "judgment", implying a more formal or official context.

hold off on deciding

Uses a phrasal verb to express the delay, making it sound more informal.

suspend the determination

Employs more formal vocabulary like "suspend" and "determination", suggesting a temporary halt.

shelve the conclusion

Replaces decision with conclusion and implies putting something aside for later consideration.

table the resolution

Specifically refers to delaying a formal proposal or resolution, common in parliamentary contexts.

adjourn the deliberation

Suggests a pause in a careful consideration or discussion.

remit the ruling

A more formal way of saying to postpone a legal or official decision.

procrastinate on the verdict

Emphasizes the act of delaying through procrastination, specifically regarding a verdict.

FAQs

How can I use "postpone the decision" in a sentence?

You can use "postpone the decision" in sentences like, "The committee voted to postpone the decision until further research is completed", or "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must postpone the decision to a later date".

What are some alternatives to "postpone the decision"?

Alternatives to "postpone the decision" include "delay making a choice", "defer the judgment", or "hold off on deciding".

What's the difference between "delay the decision" and "postpone the decision"?

While "delay the decision" and "postpone the decision" are similar, "postpone" often implies a more formal or planned delay, while "delay" can suggest a more general or even unintentional holdup. They are largely interchangeable, but context can influence the better choice.

Is it better to "postpone the decision" or make a rushed one?

It depends on the situation. If additional information is needed or circumstances are uncertain, it's often wiser to "postpone the decision" and gather more data. However, in time-sensitive situations, a calculated risk might be necessary.