a delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"a delay" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
For example, "Unfortunately, the project has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A delay of hours?

The New York Times

Such a delay is regrettable".

The New York Times

A delay for repairs.

The Guardian - Sport

There was a delay.

The Guardian

So I asked for a delay.

The New York Times

A delay on Nasdaq unnerved some participants.

The New York Times

There is talk of a delay.

The Economist

"There was a delay in the arrest.

BBC

He said a delay would "preserve evidence".

The New York Times

Such a delay is unheard of.

Independent

But there is a delay.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a delay" to describe a temporary pause or postponement of an event, action, or process. Be specific about the cause and expected duration of the delay whenever possible for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a delay" when you mean a complete stop or cancellation. "A delay" implies that something will resume later, while a cancellation means it will not happen at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a period of time during which something is postponed or slowed down, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI and in examples like "There was a delay in the arrest".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a delay" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a temporary postponement or slowing down of something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While seemingly simple, understanding the specific context in which "a delay" is used is crucial for effective communication. It's important to distinguish "a delay" from terms like "a setback" or cancellation, which carry different implications about the resumption of the paused event. By using "a delay" appropriately and providing relevant details about its cause and expected duration, you can ensure clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a postponement

Focuses on the act of officially putting something off to a later time.

a setback

Emphasizes the hindrance or obstacle caused, rather than just the time aspect.

a holdup

Suggests an interruption or impediment to progress.

a deferment

Implies officially postponing something, often a payment or obligation.

a slowdown

Indicates a reduction in speed or activity.

a lag

Refers to a period of time between one event and another.

a moratorium

Suggests a temporary prohibition of an activity.

a respite

Implies a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

a suspension

Denotes the temporary halting of something.

a wait

Simply refers to spending time anticipating something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delay" to indicate a temporary postponement. For instance, "There was "a delay" in the flight due to bad weather" or "The project experienced "a delay" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a delay"?

Alternatives include "a postponement", "a setback", or "a holdup", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a delay" or "delay"?

Both are correct, but "a delay" is typically used when referring to a specific instance of being delayed. "Delay" can be used more generally, such as when discussing the concept of delay in project management.

What's the difference between "a delay" and "a setback"?

"A delay" refers specifically to a postponement or slowing down of progress, while "a setback" implies an obstacle or reversal that hinders progress more broadly. A setback might cause a delay, but not all delays are caused by setbacks.