a brief delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of time during which something is postponed or held up. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be a brief delay in the delivery of your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A brief delay while Grabavoy is treated.

The Guardian - Sport

The bus continued to New York after a brief delay.

The New York Times

Flight SA320 will be one hour late, following a brief delay in Atlanta.

The New Yorker

CIFS "shares" will be come unavailable, but access will resume after a brief delay.

Cornell University

Eusebio was unable to make the play, and left the game after a brief delay.

The New York Times - Sports

There will be a brief delay while traffic moves through from the other direction.

The New Yorker

After a brief delay, Gonzalez told the Toronto trainer, Tommy Craig, that he could continue to play.

The New York Times - Sports

The event was shown with a brief delay so the company could bleep out excessive profanity or nudity.

The New York Times

Minor problems caused a brief delay today, but once the Endeavour took off, everything appeared to go well.

The New York Times

After a brief delay, Jeter returned to the field for three light sprints and some agility-related drills.

The New York Times - Sports

But I have experienced only courteous treatment from transportation security inspectors and a brief delay (less than five minutes).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, use "a brief delay" to soften the impact of negative news, such as a flight change or project adjustment. This phrase suggests the inconvenience is minimal and temporary.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief delay" when the actual delay is substantial or has significant consequences. This can be misleading and damage trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief delay" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes a short, temporary interruption. Ludwig shows that the structure appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

24%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief delay" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a short interruption or postponement. Ludwig AI indicates its wide applicability, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use this phrase accurately and avoid downplaying significant disruptions. Alternatives such as "a short pause" or "slight postponement" can be used for variety or to better suit the specific context. Remember that effective communication involves not only grammatical correctness but also choosing words that accurately reflect the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short pause

Emphasizes the brevity of the interruption using "pause" instead of "delay".

a momentary interruption

Highlights the temporary nature of the disruption using "interruption".

a slight postponement

Focuses on the act of delaying something, using "postponement" to convey the meaning.

a fleeting hold-up

Implies a very short and quick delay using "fleeting" and "hold-up".

a temporary setback

Suggests a minor obstacle or problem causing a delay using "setback".

a minor waiting period

Emphasizes the aspect of waiting and its short duration using "waiting period".

a short reprieve

Implies a temporary relief or break, suggesting a positive connotation.

a small lag

Uses "lag" to indicate a slight delay, often in technical contexts.

a quick intermission

Suggests a planned or expected break, using "intermission".

a negligible interruption

Highlights that interruption is so small that is almost irrelevant.

FAQs

What does "a brief delay" mean?

The phrase "a brief delay" refers to a short, usually unexpected, pause or postponement in an activity or event.

How can I use "a brief delay" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations like, "There will be "a brief delay" in the start of the meeting due to technical difficulties".

What can I say instead of "a brief delay"?

You can use alternatives like "a short pause", "a slight postponement", or "a momentary interruption".

When is it appropriate to use "a brief delay"?

It's suitable when the delay is genuinely short and doesn't significantly impact the overall timeline or outcome. Avoid using it if the delay is longer than expected or causes major disruption.