postpone the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "postpone the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to delay discussion or resolution of a particular topic or problem. Example: "Due to time constraints, we have decided to postpone the issue until our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Some manage to postpone the issue by prolonging their studies and/or going abroad.

The Guardian

Both sides had agreed to postpone the issue of damages until after the judge announced his decision.

The New York Times

So South decided he could postpone the issue by taking the spade ace and returning the suit.

The New York Times - Arts

This reversed a previous understanding to postpone the issue until Start 2, as well as the larger issue of banning all land-based missiles with multiple warheads.

The New York Times

Although Obama had wanted this G20 to produce hard figures on climate finance, world leaders decided instead to postpone the issue to a finance ministers' meeting in November.

The Guardian

Republicans claimed the one-year delay was a cynical attempt to postpone the issue until after the mid-term elections and repeated calls for the law to be repealed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So in the end, he postponed the issue.

The New York Times

One way of postponing the issue is to prolong your studies.

The Guardian

Ruffing would have postponed the issue, but would not have saved him.

The New York Times - Arts

Postponing the issue simply swells the ranks of those with similar questions to ask.

The Washington Post

NATO postponed the issue to a meeting of foreign ministers in December, or perhaps to its 60th anniversary summit in April next year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "postpone the issue", be clear about the reason for the postponement and indicate when the issue will be revisited. This transparency helps maintain trust and avoids the impression of avoidance.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that you will "postpone the issue" without providing any context or a timeline for revisiting it. This can create uncertainty and frustration. Instead, specify when the issue will be addressed again or what steps will be taken in the meantime.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "postpone the issue" functions as a verb phrase, where "postpone" is the transitive verb and "the issue" is the direct object. As seen in Ludwig, it expresses the action of delaying or deferring a particular matter or subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "postpone the issue" is a grammatically sound and widely understandable expression used to indicate the act of delaying a particular discussion or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While relatively common, it isn't as ubiquitous as simpler alternatives like "delay" or "defer". Its usage spans across news, science, and general discourse, making it a versatile phrase. However, clarity in communication is vital; always provide context and a timeline when using "postpone the issue" to prevent ambiguity. Remember, while delaying may be necessary, transparency avoids potential misunderstandings or mistrust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defer the matter

Emphasizes polite or formal postponement.

delay the decision

Focuses specifically on postponing a decision rather than a discussion.

shelve the question

Suggests putting the question aside, potentially indefinitely.

hold off on the matter

Implies a temporary suspension of action.

table the discussion

Focuses on suspending a discussion, often for a later meeting.

suspend consideration

Highlights the formal act of halting consideration of something.

put off the discussion

Indicates delaying the discussion to a later time.

adjourn the question

Specifically refers to postponing a formal meeting or session where the question is being discussed.

kick the can down the road

Suggests avoiding the issue by postponing it, often with negative connotations.

leave the matter pending

Indicates that the matter is unresolved and waiting for future action.

FAQs

What does "postpone the issue" mean?

The phrase "postpone the issue" means to delay dealing with a particular problem, subject, or matter. It implies that a decision or discussion about the issue will happen at a later time.

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

You can use alternatives like "defer the matter", "delay the decision", or "shelve the question" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "postpone the issue" or address it immediately?

Whether to "postpone the issue" or address it immediately depends on the circumstances. If you need more information, lack resources, or if addressing it immediately would be detrimental, postponing might be wise. However, delaying can sometimes worsen the problem, so consider the potential consequences.

What are the implications of "postponing the issue"?

The implications of "postponing the issue" can include delaying progress, creating uncertainty, or allowing the problem to worsen. It's important to communicate clearly why the issue is being postponed and when it will be revisited to mitigate negative impacts.