postpone the execution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "postpone the execution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a scheduled event or action, particularly one that involves carrying out a plan or decision, needs to be delayed. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to postpone the execution of the project until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

His report was sent to authorities asking to postpone the execution.

The New Yorker

The process of appeals up to the Supreme Court will then postpone the execution.

The Guardian

64 Why did Pakistan postpone the execution of a paraplegic prisoner?

The Guardian

"I certainly felt that Judge Matsch would not find anything of substance to postpone the execution".

The New York Times

But Tuesday afternoon the court voted, 6 to 2, not to postpone the execution.

The Washington Post

The decision to postpone the execution by just three days temporarily gets the US supreme court off the hook.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Scott Pruitt, Oklahoma's attorney general, had asked the court to postpone the executions, and attorneys for the three inmates had agreed.

The Washington Post

A day before a North Carolina man was scheduled to be executed for a 1987 stabbing, the State Supreme Court postponed the execution because of concerns that Gov. Mike Easley, the former attorney general, might have a conflict of interest in the case.

The New York Times

The court postponed the execution to hear his claim of new evidence.

The New York Times

On Friday, after the magazine had gone to press, Attorney General John Ashcroft postponed the execution until June 11.

The New York Times - Magazine

Three days later, Attorney General John Ashcroft postponed the execution of Mr. McVeigh, set for May 16, for a month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "postpone the execution" when you want to formally delay a scheduled event, especially in legal or official contexts. It clearly conveys that the event is not canceled, but moved to a later date.

Common error

Avoid using "postpone the execution" when you mean to cancel the event entirely. "Postpone" implies a delay, while "cancel" signifies a permanent cessation. Choose the word that accurately reflects your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "postpone the execution" functions as a verb phrase, with "postpone" acting as the main verb and "the execution" serving as the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "postpone the execution" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase indicating a delay in a scheduled event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely acceptable. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia and Science, its purpose is to formally announce that an action will occur later, not that it has been canceled. Alternatives like "delay the execution" or "suspend the execution" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, it's important to distinguish between postponing (delaying) and canceling (terminating) an event to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delay the execution

Uses "delay" instead of "postpone", implying a temporary suspension.

Suspend the execution

Indicates a temporary cessation, potentially with the possibility of resumption.

Defer the execution

Implies a more formal or official postponement.

Stay the execution

Typically used in a legal context to halt a court-ordered execution.

Reschedule the execution

Focuses on moving the execution to a later time.

Put off the execution

A more informal way of saying "postpone", suggesting procrastination.

Hold off the execution

Suggests waiting before proceeding with the execution.

Adjourn the execution

Implies a temporary suspension of the execution, typically in a formal setting.

Shelve the execution

Suggests putting the execution on hold, possibly indefinitely.

Table the execution

Similar to "shelve", indicating a temporary removal from consideration.

FAQs

What does "postpone the execution" mean?

To "postpone the execution" means to delay a scheduled event or action, setting it to occur at a later time. It implies that the event is not canceled, but rather rescheduled.

What can I say instead of "postpone the execution"?

You can use alternatives like "delay the execution", "suspend the execution", or "defer the execution" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "postpone the execution"?

It's appropriate to use "postpone the execution" when you need to formally indicate that an event is being delayed to a later date, rather than being canceled outright. This is especially relevant in legal or official contexts.

Which is correct, "postpone the execution" or "cancel the execution"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Postpone the execution" means to delay it, while "cancel the execution" means to stop it completely. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended action.