Slightly delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not on time, but the delay is minor or not significant. Example: "The train is slightly delayed due to maintenance work on the tracks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The conclusion was slightly delayed by Smith's defiant hitting.

Independent

All news arrived there, filtered and slightly delayed, through the media.

The New York Times - Arts

Clients, he said, have been very understanding that their money may have been slightly delayed.

The New York Times

Its opening has been slightly delayed, but this will soon be forgotten.

The Guardian - Arts

What distinguishes the beat in jazz is that it is slightly delayed.

The Economist

However, a few genes responded towards N-depletion with slightly delayed or opposite regulation in one of the two accessions.

Nature

So too, the mid-ice hits, with the immediate thrill of their impact, and the slightly delayed cringe that follows.

The New York Times - Sports

Its expression peak was slightly delayed compared to those of TTG1 and TT2 (Supplementary Fig. 6e, f, h).

Nature

Even the announcement of the Cannes lineup on Wednesday was slightly delayed by protests in the morning.

The New York Times

Other correctional officers trying to enter 10 South may have been slightly delayed by the tight security in effect.

The New York Times

My order was slightly delayed and a member of staff kindly offered a drink while I waited.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly delayed", ensure the context clarifies what is being delayed and, if possible, the reason for the delay to provide a complete picture to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly delayed" when the delay is, in fact, significant. This can mislead the audience and undermine your credibility. Be accurate in your description of the delay's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly delayed" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the extent of the delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in diverse contexts, serving to qualify the degree of postponement or lateness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly delayed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a minor postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various fields. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, as seen in news, scientific publications, and general communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies the delayed item and the extent of the delay. Alternatives like "somewhat postponed" or "marginally late" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Accurate and context-aware use is key to maintaining credibility and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat postponed

Indicates a delay to a certain extent, emphasizing the postponement aspect.

Marginally late

Highlights the lateness with an emphasis on the small degree.

A bit behind schedule

Emphasizes the deviation from the intended timetable.

Just a little late

Underscores the minor nature of the delay using simple language.

Delayed to a small extent

More formal and emphasizes the limited degree of the delay.

Postponed briefly

Focuses on the brief duration of the postponement.

Delayed by a fraction

Suggests the delay is minimal and almost negligible.

Barely delayed

Stresses how minimal the delay is, almost to the point of non-existence.

A touch delayed

Uses a metaphorical "touch" to indicate a very small amount of delay.

Minutely delayed

Highlights that delay refers to something that happened in a very short time

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly delayed" to indicate a minor postponement. For instance, "The train is "slightly delayed" due to unforeseen maintenance" or "The product launch is "slightly delayed" because of supply chain issues".

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly delayed"?

Alternatives include "somewhat postponed", "marginally late", or "a bit behind schedule". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.

Is it better to say "slightly delayed" or "a little delayed"?

Both "slightly delayed" and "a little delayed" are acceptable and have similar meanings. "Slightly delayed" might sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal. The best choice depends on the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "slightly delayed" and "significantly delayed"?

"Slightly delayed" indicates a minor delay that doesn't have a major impact. In contrast, "significantly delayed" implies a more substantial delay with potentially serious consequences. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the extent of the delay.