we are postponing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are postponing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when informing someone that a scheduled event or action will be delayed or rescheduled. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are postponing the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Yet we are postponing even these actions.

The New York Times

Experts put this down to several factors: we are postponing childbearing because of our careers, our men don't want to commit, or we are having a "prolonged adolescence" in our 30s and simply don't get around to it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are not cancelling the protests, we are postponing them for the next two games, after discussions with the club and with [director of Rovers sponsor WEC Group] Wayne Wild as well.

The Guardian - Sport

The streaming channel did not give reasons for delaying transmission of the tribute broadcast, which was scheduled for 28 November, issuing a curt statement that read: "At this time we are postponing the launch of the new standup comedy special Bill Cosby 77".

The Guardian

"We are postponing the consultation - it will have some impact but until then I don't know how long".

BBC

We haven't invested wisely, inherited a bundle or robbed a bank, so we are postponing our retirement move to Provence for a short time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We're postponing the start of classes until next week," she announced, explaining more repairs were needed and acknowledging this was "not good news".

The New York Times

For the first leg of our three-week trip, we've chosen to focus on a species that is supposed to be abundant and easy to find, the variable-scaled anole, Anolis heterodermus; we're postponing the search for the more difficult species until later.

The New York Times

We're postponing it.

BBC

So we're postponing the deleveraging of the private sector by having even more releveraging of the public sector.

Forbes

So we're postponing the de-leveraging of the private sector by having even more re-leveraging of the public sector.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are postponing" when you want to clearly communicate a delay, while also implying that the event or action will still occur at a later time. Be sure to provide a reason or new timeframe if possible, to manage expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "we are postponing" without clarifying the reason or providing a potential new date. Leaving the postponement open-ended can create uncertainty and frustration. Always communicate the intention to reschedule and offer updates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are postponing" functions as a declarative statement. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses the action of delaying something, indicating a decision to reschedule or defer an event or activity to a later time. The subject "we" and the verb phrase makes clear who is taking the action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are postponing" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively communicates the act of delaying a planned event or action. Its usage is most frequent in news and media contexts, with secondary usage in formal business and scientific sources. While the phrase itself carries a neutral tone, it's essential to provide context and reasons for the delay to manage expectations effectively. Alternative phrases like "we are delaying" or "we are deferring" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and specific nuance. Understanding these alternatives, along with best practices and common errors, will ensure clear and effective communication when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are delaying

Emphasizes the act of causing something to occur at a later time than initially planned.

we are deferring

Suggests putting something off until a later date, often implying a formal decision.

we are rescheduling

Specifically indicates that a new time has been set for the event.

we are putting off

A more informal way of saying we are delaying.

we are holding off on

Indicates a temporary suspension of an action or decision.

we are suspending

Suggests a temporary interruption of an activity.

we are adjourning

Implies a formal break or postponement, often in a meeting context.

we are tabling

Suggests setting aside a proposal or discussion for a later time.

we are shelving

Indicates putting a project or plan on hold indefinitely.

we are protracting

Implies lengthening the duration of something, often causing a delay.

FAQs

What's the difference between "we are postponing" and "we are cancelling"?

"We are postponing" means the event will happen later, while "we are cancelling" means it won't happen at all.

How to use "we are postponing" in a sentence?

You can use "we are postponing" to announce a delay, such as, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, "we are postponing" the meeting until next week".

What can I say instead of "we are postponing"?

You can use alternatives like "we are delaying", "we are deferring", or "we are rescheduling" depending on the context.

Is it formal to say "we are postponing"?

"We are postponing" is suitable for both formal and informal situations. The level of formality depends more on the context and your overall communication style.