Please excuse the delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please excuse the delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when apologizing for a late response or action, typically in professional or formal communication. Example: "Thank you for your patience. Please excuse the delay in my response; I was out of the office for a few days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Please excuse the handwriting.

The New Yorker

Please excuse the horrible music!

The Guardian - Sport

Please excuse the awkward pun but each component references coming to terms with difference.

Vice

Hands across the sea, Kitaj Dear Kitaj, Please excuse the overfamiliarity!

The Guardian

Oh yeah, please excuse the dates on my pictures.

TechCrunch

And please excuse the lighting!

Huffington Post

Please, please excuse the continual screwing up of the title of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Huffington Post

On Twitter, you can follow me as @MuchHaikuAbtNothing. Please excuse the tweets about The Bachelor.

Huffington Post

So please excuse the theatrics that you are about to witness, but this is show business.

Huffington Post

"Please excuse us for the mass email," the two write.

Huffington Post

Please excuse this entirely subjective statement from someone who never really fit the bill as a number cruncher.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Please excuse the delay", be specific about the reason for the delay if possible to provide context and show sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "Please excuse the delay" repeatedly without providing any context or reason for the delay. This can make the apology seem insincere and impersonal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please excuse the delay" functions as a polite and formal apology for a lapse in time. It is commonly used in professional settings to acknowledge and excuse a delayed response or action. According to Ludwig AI, this is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please excuse the delay" is a grammatically correct and formal phrase used to apologize for a lapse in time, typically in professional settings. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for written English. When using this phrase, it's best to provide a brief explanation for the delay to enhance sincerity. While alternatives like "I apologize for the delay" or "sorry for the delay" exist, this particular phrase maintains a level of formality suitable for business or official communication. However, due to the lack of usage examples, it's important to consider the context carefully and ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I apologize for the delay

Directly expresses remorse for the lateness; more concise.

Sorry for the delay

A more informal way of apologizing.

Please accept my apologies for the delay

Adds a level of formality and emphasizes regret.

I am sorry for the lateness

Focuses on the state of being late rather than the delay itself.

We regret the delay

Suitable for use by a company or group.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay

Acknowledges the potential negative impact of the delay.

Thank you for your patience regarding the delay

Expresses gratitude for understanding and tolerance.

Kindly excuse the delay

Uses a more polite and formal tone.

I hope the delay has not caused any issues

Expresses concern about the consequences of the delay.

We appreciate your understanding concerning the delay

Highlights the value of the recipient's comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "Please excuse the delay" in a sentence?

You can use "Please excuse the delay" to apologize for a late response or action, typically in professional or formal communication. For instance: "Please excuse the delay in my response; I was out of the office."

What are some alternatives to saying "Please excuse the delay"?

You can use alternatives like "I apologize for the delay", "sorry for the delay", or "thank you for your patience regarding the delay" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Please excuse the delay"?

It is appropriate to use "Please excuse the delay" in situations where you need to formally apologize for being late with a response, action, or delivery. This phrase is suitable for professional emails, formal letters, or situations where you want to show respect and politeness.

Is "Please excuse the delay" too formal for casual communication?

Yes, "Please excuse the delay" is generally considered too formal for casual communication. In informal settings, you might prefer saying "sorry for the delay" or just "my apologies".