a delay is likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delay is likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when predicting or suggesting that a delay may occur in a situation or process. Example: "Due to the heavy snowfall, a delay is likely in the delivery of packages this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yesterday the company was still waiting for much of its gear; performances are to begin on Wednesday, although a delay is likely, Mr. Aibel said.

The New York Times

These are applications that have a relatively high likelihood of guiding acute medical decisions in clinical situations where a delay is likely to result in significant morbidity or mortality.

Genome Medicine

On the other hand, as our data show, a hub-and-spoke system will lead to delays in providing artesunate, and since this drug has been associated with over 20% reduction in mortality in adults such a delay is likely to be fatal in at least some cases.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Reuters reported earlier Monday that a delay was likely.

The Washington Post

Brett Graham, a partner at Leavitt Partners, said that he did not think a delay was likely, but that the Obama administration, realizing it may be impossible for many states to be ready by January 2014, might redefine what they need to do by then.

The New York Times - Health

The promise to vote on a Brexit delay is likely to avert a serious ministerial rebellion.

The Guardian

With 20,000 children now waiting for a decision, delay is likely to rise further".

The Guardian

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has told the BBC that if they fail, the delay is "likely to be a long one".

BBC

To our best knowledge, delay is likely to influence the own state of a node and neighboring state.

Advances in Difference Equations

Even with the permit, delay is likely.

The New York Times

But the delay is likely to be short.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delay is likely", provide context about the cause of the potential delay to enhance clarity for the reader. For instance, specify whether the delay is due to weather, technical issues, or other factors.

Common error

Avoid using "a delay is likely" when the delay is confirmed or highly improbable. Use more definitive language when the delay is certain, and avoid implying certainty when the situation is still uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delay is likely" functions as a predictive statement or assessment of probability. As noted by Ludwig AI, it conveys the expectation that a postponement or setback is probable. This is evident in examples where potential disruptions are highlighted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a delay is likely" serves as a practical way to convey the probability of a future postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly used in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to semi-formal register. While useful, it's important to provide context to ensure clarity and avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives like "postponement is probable" or "a delay is anticipated" can add nuance to your writing, depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postponement is probable

Replaces "delay" with "postponement" and "likely" with "probable", maintaining the same level of certainty.

a delay is anticipated

Condenses the original phrase, making it slightly more concise.

it is anticipated that there will be a delay

More formal phrasing, explicitly stating the anticipation of a delay.

it is expected that there will be a delay

Similar in formality to 'it is anticipated', but uses 'expected' instead.

a setback is foreseeable

Uses "setback" instead of "delay", implying a hindrance rather than just a time shift.

a hold-up is anticipated

Uses "hold-up" which suggests something is stopping progress, similar to a delay.

delays are foreseeable

Pluralizes delay, suggesting a greater likelihood or multiple instances of delay.

chances are there will be a delay

More informal, indicating a possibility rather than a certainty.

the schedule is subject to delays

Focuses on the schedule's vulnerability to delays rather than predicting one.

a potential delay is on the horizon

More metaphorical, suggesting that a delay is looming.

FAQs

What does "a delay is likely" mean?

The phrase "a delay is likely" suggests that there is a high probability or expectation that something will be postponed or will happen later than originally planned.

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

You can use "a delay is likely" to indicate a potential postponement. For example: "Due to the heavy snowfall, "a delay is likely" in the delivery of packages this week."

Which is a more formal way to say "a delay is likely"?

A more formal way to say "a delay is likely" is to use phrases such as "it is anticipated that there will be a delay" or "a delay is anticipated".

What's the difference between "a delay is likely" and "a delay is possible"?

"A delay is likely" suggests a higher degree of probability than "a delay is possible". The latter simply acknowledges that a delay could occur, while the former suggests it's probable.