that can wait

USAGE SUMMARY

"that can wait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something can be done at a later time. For example, "I need to tidy up the living room, but that can wait until later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The monastery, that can wait.

The New York Times

But for now, that can wait.

The Guardian - Sport

No speech was given – that can wait for another day.

Independent

"And we are the rare team that can wait".

The New York Times - Sports

It's not like that can wait until tomorrow".

The New York Times - Tech

It's one of those things that can wait".

The New York Times

But on her Brooklyn porch, with neighbors, that can wait.

The New York Times

We should forget a little the Committee, the Parliament, the Constitution — that can wait.

The New York Times

But for those companies that can wait long enough, the benefits can be substantial.

The New York Times

Questions that can wait a day will be directed to a U.S.G.A. rules associate's voice mail.

The New York Times - Sports

Skeptics might ask whether any species that can wait decades for listing was endangered to begin with.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing tasks, use "that can wait" to clearly identify less urgent items, allowing you to focus on immediate needs without feeling overwhelmed.

Common error

Avoid using "that can wait" as a default response to avoid tasks. Ensure you actively reschedule or delegate delayed tasks to prevent them from being forgotten or becoming urgent later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that can wait" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something is not urgent and can be postponed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, reflecting its role in prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that can wait" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate something is not urgent and can be postponed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from news, business, wiki and scientific sources. Its primary function is to qualify or defer tasks, reflecting a neutral register suitable for both professional and informal communication. Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively are key aspects of using "that can wait", while overuse without proper rescheduling should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be postponed

Similar to 'deferred', but less formal and more commonly used.

it can be put off

Emphasizes delaying something, often due to reluctance.

it can stand over

British English, meaning it can be left until later.

it can be deferred

Uses more formal vocabulary, suggesting a deliberate postponement.

it can be held back

Suggests a conscious decision to delay something from progressing.

it's not urgent

Focuses on the lack of immediate need, suitable for prioritizing tasks.

it can be tabled

Implies setting something aside for later discussion or consideration.

it's not time-sensitive

Highlights the absence of a critical deadline.

it's not a priority

Highlights that something is of lower importance compared to other tasks.

it can be shelved

Indicates putting a project or idea on hold, possibly indefinitely.

FAQs

How to use "that can wait" in a sentence?

You can use "that can wait" to indicate that something is not urgent and can be done later. For example, "The report is important, but "that can wait" until next week."

What can I say instead of "that can wait"?

You can use alternatives like "it can be postponed", "it can be deferred", or "it's not urgent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "that can wait" or "that can't wait"?

"That can wait" means something is not urgent, while "that can't wait" means something is very urgent and needs immediate attention. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "that can wait" and "that should wait"?

"That can wait" implies something is permissible to delay, while "that should wait" suggests it's advisable or beneficial to delay it. The latter carries a stronger recommendation.