I was delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was delayed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something or someone caused a delay in one's plans or actions. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Example: "I apologize for being late. I was delayed by heavy traffic on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

" 'I' was delayed".

The New Yorker

"Of course I was delayed.

The New York Times

One time I was delayed at O'Hare for a while.

The New York Times

"I was delayed leaving Hong Kong last month because of a bad storm over China.

The Telegraph

"I was delayed by Dr. Hudson, who called on me only moments before I left.

The New Yorker

Of course, I couldn't find my MetroCard upon entering the station, so I was delayed by a couple of minutes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

My flight to Los Angeles was at 6am and I knew if it was delayed, I would most likely miss my connection to Seoul then on to Hong Kong.

Huffington Post

I was delaying my decisions to "give more chances" and get more data, but it turned out to be the opposite of kind — people need to know where they are at, otherwise, it's a nasty surprise.

Forbes

I was relieved that it was delayed... until it was delayed a further two times, eventually departing ten hours after its scheduled time.

Huffington Post

I always wonder if it was delayed shame over this incident that made him become a fireman.

Vice

What if I'm delayed getting home?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was delayed", clearly state the reason for the delay to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, "I was delayed due to a traffic accident" offers more information than just "I was delayed".

Common error

Avoid using "I am delay" or "I have delayed" when you mean to say that you experienced a delay. The correct past passive form is "I was delayed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was delayed" functions as a statement indicating that the speaker experienced a delay. It's a passive construction where the subject (I) is the recipient of the action (being delayed). Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was delayed" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for expressing that one has experienced a delay. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is typically employed to explain tardiness or setbacks, making it versatile for various communicative purposes. While applicable across different contexts, it appears most frequently in News & Media sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the reason for the delay adds valuable context. Alternatives like "I was held up" or "I ran behind schedule" can offer nuanced ways to convey the same meaning. The most important thing is using the correct tense: "I was delayed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I experienced a delay

Replaces the passive voice with an active construction, emphasizing the experience of the delay.

I was held up

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate being stopped or delayed.

I encountered a setback

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the delay as an obstacle.

I ran behind schedule

Focuses on the impact of the delay on one's timetable.

My progress was hindered

Highlights the obstruction to forward movement or advancement.

I was running late

Indicates that the delay caused lateness for an event or appointment.

I was set back

Uses a phrasal verb to denote being slowed down or impeded.

My arrival was postponed

Specifies that the delay affected the time of arrival.

I faced an impediment

Highlights the presence of an obstacle causing the delay.

I was detained

Implies a more formal or official cause for the delay.

FAQs

How can I use "I was delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "I was delayed" to explain why you were late or unable to complete something on time. For example, "I apologize for the late submission; "I was delayed" by an unexpected meeting".

What can I say instead of "I was delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "I was held up", "I ran behind schedule", or "my progress was hindered depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am delayed"?

While "I am delayed" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, it's less common. Typically, "I am delayed" might imply a present state of being currently held up, whereas "I was delayed" refers to a past event that caused a delay.

What is the difference between "I was delayed" and "I was detained"?

""I was delayed"" generally means something caused you to be late or held up, while "I was detained" often implies being held by authorities or against your will.