this can wait

USAGE SUMMARY

"this can wait" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to delay action on something or to express resignation when something cannot be done right away. For example, "I wish I could help you out right now, but this can wait until I have more time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A rug, in a case like this, can wait.

The New Yorker

I don't think this can wait until 2023 when the current Future Tours Programme ends.

Independent

This can wait until the basic system is entrenched.It is not just Sun's nerds whose future is on the line.

The Economist

Where possible, exhumation will follow, though this can wait until next spring if need be: evidence in undisturbed graves stays valid for years.The physical evidence gathered by forensic teams will be collated with testimony from refugees, aerial surveillance, communications intercepts and other intelligence from NATO countries.

The Economist

I think there were very few people who believed they'd actually do this, and so it's no surprise that they've decided that this can wait.

Vice

This reason was labeled as ' lack of obligatory procedures for testing' and is illustrated by the following quotes: "Because I am a diabetic, I have to get blood drawn pretty often, and I thought 'Well, this can wait a little while.' I will certainly do it in time, before December.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But that can wait.

The New York Times

But all that can wait.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're busy, no biggie – this one can wait awhile.

The Guardian

After this users can – wait for it – compare their happiness, success and get a lifestyle rating.

TechCrunch

A majority of the workers made redundant at this age can wait till the ERA while enjoying the (generous) contributive unemployment benefit, making them especially susceptible to (informal) early retirement.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this can wait" to clearly communicate that an action or decision doesn't require immediate attention, allowing you or others to prioritize more pressing matters.

Common error

Avoid using "this can wait" to dismiss genuinely urgent issues; ensure a proper assessment of the situation to prevent potential negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can wait" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something does not require immediate attention and can be postponed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this can wait" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for indicating that something does not require immediate attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, with a slightly higher frequency in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to accurately assess the urgency of the situation to avoid unintended negative consequences. Consider using alternative phrases like "it's not urgent" or "it can be deferred" in more formal settings. The phrase serves the purpose of deferring action, prioritizing tasks, and managing expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be deferred

Focuses on the act of postponing something to a later time.

it's not urgent

Emphasizes the lack of immediate need for action.

it can be put on hold

Highlights a temporary suspension of activity.

it's not a priority

Indicates a lower level of importance compared to other tasks.

it's not time-sensitive

Stresses that the timing of the action is flexible.

it can be delayed

Similar to 'deferred', but perhaps implying a shorter timeframe.

it's not essential right now

Emphasizes the non-critical nature of the action at the present moment.

it's something for later

A more informal way of saying it can be addressed in the future.

there's no rush

Highlights the absence of pressure or urgency.

it can be shelved for now

Suggests a more permanent or indefinite postponement.

FAQs

How can I use "this can wait" in a sentence?

You can use "this can wait" to indicate that something does not need immediate attention. For example, "The email response "this can wait" until tomorrow morning".

What are some alternatives to saying "this can wait"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's not urgent", "it can be deferred", or "it's not a priority".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "this can wait"?

It is inappropriate to use "this can wait" when dealing with emergencies, time-sensitive tasks, or situations where immediate action is crucial.

Is "this can wait" too informal for professional communication?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "this matter can be deferred" or "this action is not immediately required" might be more suitable.