a decision has been delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decision has been delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when informing someone that a decision that was expected to be made has not yet been reached. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, a decision has been delayed, and we will update you as soon as we have more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If implementation of a decision has been delayed, the chair will reach out to the CEO for an explanation.

Harvard Business Review

There were discussions on the subject during Tuesday's NEC meeting, but a decision has been delayed and may well be kicked into the long grass given Corbyn's new mandate.

The Guardian

The RBS bid has yet to be cleared by the competition authorities and a decision has been delayed until after Christmas.But suppose RBS is not barred from the takeover, or is, perhaps, merely asked to make a few disposals, what then?

The Economist

A decision has been delayed so more time can be spent examining how similar plans have worked in Australia.

BBC

A decision has been delayed so that more time can be spent examining how similar plans have worked in Australia.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The tender went out in May last year and a decision had been delayed since the beginning of this year, casting a serious shadow over the future of the Post Office network.

The Guardian

But since then a final decision has been delayed until after the European referendum – and Gatwick is suddenly back in the frame.

The Guardian

A spokesman for HelioSlough Ltd said: "We note that the decision has been delayed and we await the outcome".

BBC

The institute's decision has been delayed until January, said Kathryn Kissam, a spokeswoman for the International Rett Syndrome Association.

The New York Times - Style

It was expected to announce its selections in April, but the decision has been delayed, in part by the difficulty of finding a chairman of the foundation charged with raising $600 million for the cultural buildings and a memorial.

The New York Times - Arts

An investment decision has been delayed several times.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a decision has been delayed", provide a reason for the delay if possible. This adds transparency and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "a decision has been delayed" without offering any context or explanation. Without a reason, the statement can create uncertainty and frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decision has been delayed" functions as a statement indicating that a planned decision has been postponed. Ludwig provides examples across different contexts, confirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decision has been delayed" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered statement used to inform that a decision is not yet available. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usage across different reliable sources, primarily in news and formal business contexts. While direct and informative, providing context for the delay enhances clarity and manages audience expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decision has been postponed

Replaces "delayed" with "postponed", indicating a later date has been set.

a decision has been deferred

Substitutes "delayed" with "deferred", suggesting the decision has been put off to a future time.

the decision has been put on hold

Replaces "delayed" with "put on hold", emphasizing a temporary suspension.

the decision has been suspended

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the delay, indicating it has been temporarily stopped.

the decision is pending

Indicates the decision is still awaiting resolution, focusing on the state of the decision.

the decision's resolution is pending

Highlights that the final resolution is still awaiting.

the decision is in abeyance

Uses a more formal term, "abeyance", to indicate a state of temporary disuse or suspension.

the decision timeline has been extended

Focuses on the lengthening of the timeline for the decision.

the decision faces a setback

Indicates an obstacle or impediment causing the delay.

the decision is on ice

Informal expression to denote that the decision is not being actively considered at the moment

FAQs

What does it mean when you say "a decision has been delayed"?

It means that the decision-making process has been extended, and a final resolution is not yet available. There may be various reasons for the delay.

What are some alternatives to "a decision has been delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "a decision has been postponed", "a decision has been deferred", or "the decision is pending".

Is it appropriate to use "a decision has been delayed" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider providing context or reasons for the delay to maintain transparency and professionalism.

What are common reasons for a decision to be delayed?

Common reasons include the need for additional information, unforeseen circumstances, legal or regulatory hurdles, or internal disagreements. Providing a specific reason can help manage expectations.