postpone until then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "postpone until then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that an event or action will be delayed until a specified time in the future. Example: "We will postpone the meeting until then to ensure everyone can attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

House Republicans on the conference committee said Congress would be taking a careful look at the program next year, when it expires, and action should be postponed until then.

The New York Times

But November brought a new round of reactions, since by divine (or diabolical) intercession, the "real premiere," as Mr. Stein put it, had to be postponed until then, a couple of weeks into a nine-month run in Berlin before the production goes to Vienna for the rest of 2001.

The New York Times

Just postpone until a different day.

WikiHow

But after the Chinese police threatened him, it was postponed until June, and then postponed again, and the Taiwanese edition (the first Chinese edition), was also postponed.

The New Yorker

A state House committee was supposed to take up HB 1023 on Tuesday, but it was postponed until Wednesday and then canceled.

Huffington Post

The ban was then postponed until 2020.

The Washington Post

It was initially expected in July, but was then postponed until September — a deadline also missed.

The New York Times

The curses and blessings alike are then postponed until the final judgment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The trial, which Human Rights Watch called "a disturbing turn for the nascent Tunisian democracy," was originally scheduled for Nov. 16, then postponed until January.

The New York Times

The opening of the $2.3 billion entertainment-and-shopping center, originally scheduled for last November and then postponed until this summer, has been delayed again until some unspecified date next year.

The New York Times

The council vote, originally scheduled for Tuesday morning, was delayed until the afternoon and then postponed until 2pm (GMT) on Wednesday because of continuing discussions on the text.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "postpone until then" when you want to clearly indicate that an action or decision is being delayed to a specific, previously mentioned time or event. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "postpone until then" if the "then" lacks a clear antecedent. Ensure the context makes it obvious what time or event you are postponing until. Otherwise, specify the date or event directly, i.e., "postpone until next week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "postpone until then" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb. It indicates the time at which a postponed action is expected to occur, relying on prior context to define "then". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "postpone until then" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating that something is being delayed to a specific time already mentioned. Ludwig AI validates its usage, highlighting its reliance on context to define "then". While relatively rare, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki. When using this phrase, ensure the "then" is clearly understood to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "delay until that time" or "put off until that date" for slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay until that time

Replaces "postpone" with "delay", maintaining a formal tone and similar meaning.

defer until that moment

Uses "defer" to indicate postponement, which may suggest a more considered decision to delay.

put off until that date

Replaces "postpone" with the phrasal verb "put off", creating a more informal tone.

hold off until then

Suggests a temporary suspension, implying that the action will definitely occur later.

suspend until that occasion

Implies a temporary halt, often used in formal contexts.

adjourn until that period

Typically used in formal meetings or legal contexts to indicate a temporary break.

reschedule for that time

Focuses on the act of setting a new time for something previously planned.

table it until then

Means to postpone discussion or consideration of something.

shelve it until then

Implies putting something aside, possibly indefinitely, but with the potential to revisit it later.

put on ice until then

Informal expression suggesting a temporary halt to an activity or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "postpone until then" in a sentence?

You can use "postpone until then" when referring back to a previously mentioned time or event to indicate a delay. For example, "The deadline was initially set for Friday, but we'll have to "postpone until then" because of the weather."

What are some alternatives to "postpone until then"?

Alternatives include "delay until that time", "defer until that moment", or "put off until that date". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "postpone until then" or specify a date?

Using "postpone until then" is appropriate when the context already makes the time clear. If there is any ambiguity, it is better to specify a date (e.g., "postpone until July 30th") for clarity.

What does "then" refer to in "postpone until then"?

The word "then" refers to a specific time or event that has been previously mentioned or is understood from the context. It acts as a placeholder for that specific point in time.