Much delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Much delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been delayed for an extended period of time. For example, "The shipment was much delayed due to inclement weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Much delayed Valentine-themed romcom that's already been a big hit in South Korea.

The Guardian - Film

His trial, much delayed, should begin next year.

The Economist

But this is also an excellent walk for this year's much delayed spring.

Independent

Mr. Heins reiterated that the BlackBerry 10 phones were on schedule for their much delayed introduction.

The New York Times

The banks are poorly regulated and prone to collapse; privatisation has been much delayed.

The Economist

Otherwise germination fails or is much delayed, with the early growth of the seedling often abnormal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The much-delayed report is still delayed.

The Guardian - Business

Then it's on to the much-delayed second Wolverine movie.

The Guardian - Film

They back the team's case for its much-delayed ballpark.

The New York Times

On the film's much-delayed nationwide release, it was denounced by the church.

The Guardian - Film

Days before a much-delayed court hearing, all charges have been dropped.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "much delayed" to emphasize the significance or unexpectedness of the delay. It adds a stronger sense of something being notably behind schedule compared to simply saying "delayed".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "much delayed" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "really late" or "very delayed" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much delayed" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, intensifying the adjective "delayed". It emphasizes the significance of the delay. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much delayed" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that intensifies the adjective "delayed", emphasizing the extent and impact of a postponement. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While effective for highlighting significant delays, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Remember to emphasize the significance of the delay when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delayed considerably

Inverts the structure, placing emphasis on the action of delaying.

Delayed to a great extent

Highlights the degree or level of delay.

Greatly postponed

Emphasizes the extent of the postponement.

Extensively deferred

Implies a deliberate action to delay something.

Long overdue

Focuses on the fact that something should have happened earlier.

Significantly protracted

Highlights the lengthening of the duration.

Considerably adjourned

Suggests a formal setting and a temporary suspension.

Remarkably behind schedule

Highlights the deviation from the planned timeline.

Substantially hindered

Highlights the obstacles that caused the delay.

Very late

A simpler, more direct way of expressing that something is overdue.

FAQs

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

You can use "much delayed" to describe something that has been significantly postponed. For example, "The project's completion was "much delayed" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to saying "much delayed"?

Alternatives include "long overdue", "greatly postponed", or "significantly protracted", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "much delayed" or "very delayed"?

"Much delayed" tends to be more formal and emphasizes the unexpected or problematic nature of the delay, whereas "very delayed" is more general and less emphatic. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "delayed" and "much delayed"?

While "delayed" simply indicates that something is behind schedule, "much delayed" emphasizes the extent and impact of the delay. It suggests that the delay is significant and potentially problematic.