was deferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was deferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has been postponed or delayed to a later time. Example: "The decision regarding the project was deferred until next month for further review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The deferred group (DG) was deferred from the exercise program for 12 weeks.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Necessary maintenance was deferred.

The New York Times

"But I was deferred.

The New York Times

I applied early action but was deferred.

The New York Times

Menthol was deferred to later studies.

The New York Times

For the moment, the search for the rapist was deferred.

The New York Times

Her daughter, Hilary, was deferred from Boston University.

The New York Times

The trial had been set for November but was deferred because of Ms. Shourd's absence.

The New York Times

But the matter was deferred until his Scottish trial was over.

The Guardian

(Jury selection was deferred on Monday because of the court's closing in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy).

The New York Times

The dream was deferred Friday, set aside and trampled upon by the smarter, savvier Boston Celtics.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was deferred", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what made the decision to postpone, and the reason for the postponement. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was deferred" without specifying what action, decision, or event was deferred. This lack of clarity can confuse the reader. For instance, instead of saying "The matter was deferred", specify "The decision on the matter was deferred".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was deferred" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being postponed or delayed. Ludwig AI examples show it's often used to describe delayed decisions, payments, or procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was deferred" is a frequently used phrase indicating that something has been postponed or delayed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and scientific publications, it maintains a formal to neutral tone. When using "was deferred", clarity is key; ensure you specify what exactly was deferred to avoid confusion. Consider synonyms such as "was postponed" or "was delayed" for stylistic variation. Avoid confusing it with "was rejected", which has a distinctly different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was postponed

Emphasizes a temporary suspension or delay of an event or action.

was delayed

Focuses on the action being held back or slowed down.

was put off

Indicates an informal postponement, often implying a lack of enthusiasm.

was adjourned

Suggests a formal suspension of a meeting or legal proceeding.

was shelved

Implies that something has been put aside indefinitely, possibly without a definite plan to revisit it.

was held over

Highlights the act of keeping something for consideration at a later time.

was remitted

Suggests the act of sending or submitting something to another authority or person for consideration.

was suspended

Indicates a temporary interruption or cessation.

was ceded

Focuses on yielding or surrendering something, like authority or control, to another.

was submitted

Emphasizes the act of presenting something for approval or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "was deferred" in a sentence?

Use "was deferred" to indicate that something has been postponed or delayed. For example, "The vote "was deferred" until the next meeting".

What's a more formal alternative to "was deferred"?

Alternatives such as "was postponed" or "was adjourned" provide a more formal tone. For instance, "The hearing was adjourned until further notice".

What can I say instead of "was deferred" in a less formal context?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases like "was put off" or "was delayed". For example, "The deadline was put off due to unforeseen circumstances".

Is "was deferred" interchangeable with "was rejected"?

No, "was deferred" implies postponement, while "was rejected" implies refusal or dismissal. Deferring something means delaying it, while rejecting it means it will not be accepted.