What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
postponed
Example
The concert has been postponed due to bad weather. [postponed: past participle]
Example
We have decided to postpone the meeting until next week. [postpone: verb]
shelve
Example
We have decided to shelve the project until we have more resources. [shelve: verb]
Example
The company has decided to shelve the new product launch until next year. [shelve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Postponed is more commonly used than shelve in everyday language. Postponed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shelve is less common and refers to a more long-term delay.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between postponed and shelve?
Shelve is typically associated with a more formal tone, often used in professional or business contexts. Postponed is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
