0
Gene93 Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary

to postpone/delay/defer something

Hello,
Can all three of them be used in:
- Can we.....making a decision until Monday?
- Bad weather forced us to....Friday's game.
- Our exam has been....until next week.
- He.....telling her the news, waiting for the right moment.

Is defer different from the other two?

Thank you in advance.
  

Top answer

making a decision until Monday? Yes. Friday's game.

— Mister Micawber

  • making a decision until Monday?
  • Yes.
  • Friday's game.
  • 'Defer' does not work in that context.
  • 'Delay' if the game is to be played later in the day, but 'postpone' if the game will be played at a later date.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
Gene93Can all three of them be used in:- Can we.....making a decision until Monday?
Yes.
Gene93- Bad weather forced us to....Friday's game.
'Defer' does not work in that context. 'Delay' if the game is to be played later in the day, but 'postpone' if the game will be played at a later date.
Gene93Our
0
0
Thank you, Mr. Micawber. What in your opinion is the difference between defer and postpone? I referred to a few dictionaries, but their definitions look very similar.
0
0
Gene93What in your opinion is the difference between defer and postpone?
I don't have one, except that they collocate differently: hence my last remark.
0

Related Questions