web pages cancelled for the time being

[Archie]

Can I use this notion? or "maintenance of the web pages cancelled so far"

Can we say "maintenance" or is "updating" better option?

[Red5]

Without knowing the full context, it's hard to say, but what about using the word 'suspended'? - eg: "maintenance of the web pages has been temporarily suspended".

If you told us a bit more about the situation, we would be able to help you better.

[Archie]

Ok thanks Red
My friend has home pages on the web, but he said that he's not going to update them for a while, and if i could come up with an announcement in english that he would them put on the web.
I asked him how long his pages would be cancelled/suspended, but he didn't know it himself either; just mentioned that for indefinite time.
So after some careful thinking I got something like
"Updating of the web-site cancelled until further notice"
Since I'm not familiar with computer english I feel a bit unsure what verb should I use for maintenance/updating etc.

I guess your suggestion might be very good one
How's mine?

[Red5]

Hi,

In my opinion I think your suggestion is almost there but could still do with some work (by the way, I am not a teacher, so you might want to ask for someone else's opinion as well ).

"Updating of the web-site cancelled until further notice"

Firstly, I don't think 'cancelled' works in this situation (click the link for a definition). Take a look at the definition for the word suspended and note the differences.

Also, I think the example you gave is a little abrupt. Why not try softening the tone of it?

Using your suggestion as a starting point, what do you think about the following alternatives?

1. Updates to this website have been suspended until further notice
2. Updates to this website have been suspended for the time being
3. Updates to this website have been discontinued until further notice
4. Updates to this website have been postponed until further notice

I think I like the examples using 'suspended' better, so here are some softer examples using it:

1. Due to other commitments we have decided that updates to this site will be suspended for the time being.
2. Due to circumstances beyond our control, updates to this website have had to be suspended.

There are more alternatives I am sure. Perhaps someone else will offer their views on this...

I hope that helps!

Red.

[Archie]

Yes Red I think you are right
"cancel" may sound a bit irrevocable.
Examples you gave really have different shades in meanings and are definitively better and more polite ones.
I guess I'd use number 2 from the first group and number 1 from the second group.