a delay could occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delay could occur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential issues or uncertainties that may arise in a process or timeline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, a delay could occur in the delivery of your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a delay could occur between onset of psychosis and ascertainment by the registry, we also excluded those exposed to loss between ages 13-20 years. 13-20 years

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These data indicated that metaphase could last longer after chrysotile treatment than it does in control cells, and this delay could occur as a consequence of alterations in chromosome alignment.

Plosone

"It would be very hard to get a final vote before the recess," Senator Lott said, "if all of the options available to those that oppose the bill exercised them, because there are several points where delay could occur -- filibusters could occur".

The New York Times

It is shown that depending on NOx concentration, minimum ignition delay could occur, i.e. minimum effect of additives on the quality of alternative hydrogen fuel combustion may be allowable.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Following analysis, delay could occur if results were returned to the incorrect practice (W3).

BMJ Quality and Safety

A spokesman for Heathrow said some early-morning flights had been been pushed back and knock-on delays could occur throughout the day.

The Guardian - Travel

Beyond the precautions for new packages, Mazer acknowledged that delays could occur in already mailed parcels, hundreds of thousands of which were held Wednesday in 23 postal processing stations statewide.

Los Angeles Times

Such a delay could roil financial markets.

The Washington Post

However, initial anti-CCP levels appear to be of great importance in predicting the interval time to disease onset, since a delay in RA diagnosis could occur in subjects with low antibody levels at symptom onset.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

But a similar thing could occur again.

The New York Times - Sports

A similar trajectory could occur here.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a delay could occur", ensure that the context clearly indicates what might cause the delay. Being specific enhances clarity and provides actionable information.

Common error

Avoid using "a delay could occur" without specifying what process or event the delay refers to. Without a clear antecedent, the statement becomes ambiguous and less helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delay could occur" functions as a statement of possibility. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used to express that a delay is one potential outcome among others, without asserting certainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a delay could occur" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the possibility of a postponement or hindrance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context to clarify the cause of the potential delay. Alternatives include "a setback might happen" or "there might be a delay". The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for professional and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

There might be a delay

Restructures the sentence to start with "there might be", emphasizing the existence of a possible delay.

A setback might happen

Replaces "delay" with "setback" and "could" with "might", indicating possibility, while "happen" replaces "occur".

A hold-up may arise

Uses "hold-up" to replace "delay" and "may arise" instead of "could occur", suggesting a possible interruption.

A postponement is possible

Replaces the verb phrase with a noun and adjective structure, focusing on the possibility of postponing something.

A hitch might emerge

Substitutes "delay" with "hitch" and "could occur" with "might emerge", indicating a minor problem that could appear.

An impediment could arise

Replaces "delay" with "impediment" and "occur" with "arise", highlighting a potential obstacle.

A slowing is foreseeable

Uses "slowing" instead of "delay" and "is foreseeable" instead of "could occur", suggesting a predictable reduction in pace.

Disruptions are liable to happen

Changes the focus to "disruptions" and uses "are liable to happen" to convey the probability of occurrence.

An interruption is anticipated

Uses "interruption" instead of "delay" and "is anticipated" instead of "could occur", suggesting a foreseen break.

A snag may present itself

Replaces "delay" with "snag" and "could occur" with "may present itself", indicating a potential unexpected problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a delay could occur" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you might use phrases like "a delay is possible", "a postponement may arise", or "disruptions are liable to happen".

What does "a delay could occur" imply about the certainty of the delay?

The phrase "a delay could occur" suggests a possibility, but not a certainty. It indicates that a delay is one potential outcome among others.

Is "a delay could occur" the same as "a delay will occur"?

No, "a delay could occur" indicates a possibility, whereas "a delay will occur" suggests a certainty. The former implies uncertainty, while the latter expresses a definite future event.

What are some scenarios where it's appropriate to use the phrase "a delay could occur"?

This phrase is suitable when discussing project timelines, delivery schedules, or any situation where unforeseen circumstances might lead to a postponement. For instance, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, "a delay could occur" in the delivery of your order".