we decided to postpone

USAGE SUMMARY

"we decided to postpone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea of something being delayed or put off until a later time. Example: "We decided to postpone the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"We decided to postpone.

The New York Times

That evening we decided to postpone.

The New Yorker

After the second plane hit and the enormity of the event was made clear, we decided to postpone our wedding and set out to contact all two hundred guests.

The New Yorker

The waiter at Gostisce Jasna, a restaurant with a pleasant terrace overlooking the lake, told us sunshine was forecast for the following day, so we decided to postpone our trip over the pass and retreat to Kranjska Gora.

The New York Times - Travel

The number of preview panels has multiplied to the point where they're not really much help any more, because you hear so many contrasting opinions, so we decided to postpone ours until after all the races had been run in the hope of helping you to digest what happened.

The Guardian - Sport

It was raining the next day, so we decided to postpone our biking excursion and instead were taken to a stunning elephant sanctuary, the Phang Nga Elephant Park.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The letter acknowledged the criticism of early users and said, "we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better".

The New York Times - Tech

In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better".

BBC

"Based on input from many, we have decided to postpone the cleaning operation for Zuccotti Park," Mr. Clark wrote.

The New York Times

Dear Friend,Due to blizzard warnings throughout New York and so as not to put you in harm's way, we've decided to postpone the Africa Ignited Party to February 22nd.

Columbia University

"After consultation with the Stephenson family and out of respect for Carina and her family in this very difficult period, we have decided to postpone the series until September 2005," the channel said in a statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we decided to postpone", be clear about what is being postponed and, if possible, provide a reason for the postponement. This helps avoid confusion and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "we decided to postpone" without specifying what is being postponed. For example, instead of saying "We decided to postpone", clarify with "We decided to postpone the meeting." This provides context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we decided to postpone" functions as a declarative statement. It conveys a collective decision to delay an event, action, or plan. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we decided to postpone" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to communicate a decision to delay something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to specify what is being postponed to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we opted to delay" or "we chose to put off" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. Remember to provide context when possible, enhancing clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we opted to delay

Replaces "decided to postpone" with "opted to delay", which has a similar meaning but slightly different connotation.

we chose to put off

Uses "chose to put off" instead of "decided to postpone", offering a more informal tone.

we made the decision to delay

Adds emphasis by specifying "made the decision", slightly more formal.

we have resolved to defer

More formal alternative using "resolved to defer", suitable for professional contexts.

we considered it best to reschedule

Shifts focus to rescheduling rather than postponement; suggests a new time will be set.

we found it necessary to adjourn

Suggests a temporary suspension, often used in formal settings like meetings or legal proceedings.

we determined to suspend

Implies a temporary halt with the possibility of resumption, formal in tone.

we saw fit to hold over

Old fashioned alternative meaning to delay or keep in store.

we agreed to put on ice

Uses the idiom "put on ice" to express the idea of pausing something indefinitely.

we tabled the matter

Formal way to say that discussion of a particular issue is being suspended.

FAQs

How can I use "we decided to postpone" in a sentence?

You can use "we decided to postpone" to indicate a delay. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we decided to postpone the project launch." Ensure the context makes clear what is being postponed and why.

What are some alternatives to "we decided to postpone"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we opted to delay", "we chose to put off", or "we made the decision to delay", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to say "we postponed" or "we decided to postpone"?

Both are correct, but "we decided to postpone" can be used to emphasize the deliberative nature of the decision. "We postponed" is more direct and concise, suitable when the decision-making process doesn't need highlighting.

What's the difference between "we decided to postpone" and "we decided to cancel"?

"We decided to postpone" means the event or activity is delayed to a later time. "We decided to cancel" means the event or activity will not happen at all. Postponement is temporary; cancellation is permanent.