a little delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not on time or has been postponed slightly. Example: "The train is a little delayed due to maintenance work on the tracks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

When Tranmere Rovers were beaten 2-0 in 1990, it was Notts County's first ever appearance at Wembley and of course the first year the play-offs finals had been held at the national stadium, so their timing was impeccable if a little delayed.

The Guardian - Sport

A little delayed gratification could do wonders for that tour's ticket sales.

The New York Times

Her speech seemed a little delayed at first, but she has caught up nicely and now chatters away in Vietnamese and understands a little English.

The New York Times - Health

"Gamers' hand-eye coordination is twitch reflexes, so more than a 2-millisecond response time is a little delayed for us," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"When we started taking bits of the building away we found it had not been built in the way we expected... so unfortunately it was a little delayed, but I think it is an amazing achievement".

The Guardian

Second, since the timing of "P-min" appearance is a little delayed from that of "(eta J -min," the pressure gradient along the x-line may be considered to be generated by the fast reconnection process.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Folks, we're having a little delay here," he said.

The New York Times

"It's so easy for incumbents to get a little delay here, a little delay there, and cause a little doubt or raise a procedural thing.

The New York Times

Impose a little delay between cars, so she realizes that there are consequences for wrecking them".

The New York Times

But, as recent events like the suspension of the CNN commentator Roland Martin for antigay comments on Twitter show, sometimes a little delay between having a thought and broadcasting it can be a good thing.

The New York Times

"Tragedy was averted because there was a little delay as the prayers did not commence in earnest and the bomb strapped to the body of the girl went off and killed her," he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little delayed" to soften the impact of a delay announcement. For example, instead of saying "the project is delayed", you can say "the project is a little delayed" to sound less severe.

Common error

Avoid using "a little delayed" excessively in formal reports or presentations, as it can sound unprofessional or dismissive. Opt for more precise language like "slightly behind schedule" or "subject to a minor postponement" when communicating with superiors or clients.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little delayed" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something is not on time. This is confirmed by Ludwig, where numerous examples show it used to qualify nouns such as "train", "project", or "process".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little delayed" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that softens the announcement of a minor delay. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in news, scientific, and general contexts. While acceptable in many situations, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "a little delayed" and more formal alternatives such as "slightly behind schedule" or "somewhat postponed". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is well-established and readily understood, making it a useful addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly behind schedule

Replaces "a little" with "slightly" and uses the term "behind schedule" for delay, focusing on time management.

Somewhat postponed

Emphasizes the postponement aspect of the delay, using "somewhat" to indicate a minor degree.

Marginally late

Highlights the lateness aspect, using "marginally" to denote a small degree of tardiness.

A minor setback

Frames the delay as a temporary obstacle or impediment, shifting the perspective.

A brief holdup

Focuses on the interruption or temporary cessation aspect of the delay.

Moderately deferred

Uses "deferred" to indicate postponement and "moderately" to denote a medium degree.

Partially adjourned

Implies a temporary suspension or break, suitable for meetings or events.

Temporarily suspended

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the interruption or delay.

A small lag

Uses "lag" to represent a delay in time or progress, keeping the emphasis on brevity.

A touch behind

Uses "a touch" to convey a slight degree of lateness or delay.

FAQs

How can I use "a little delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "a little delayed" to indicate a slight postponement or tardiness. For example, "The train is "a little delayed" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "a little delayed"?

Alternatives to "a little delayed" include "slightly behind schedule", "somewhat postponed", or "marginally late", depending on the context.

Which is more formal, "a little delayed" or "slightly behind schedule"?

"Slightly behind schedule" is generally considered more formal than "a little delayed". While "a little delayed" is acceptable in many situations, "slightly behind schedule" is more appropriate for professional or business communication.

What's the difference between "a little delayed" and "significantly delayed"?

"A little delayed" indicates a minor postponement, while "significantly delayed" suggests a more substantial postponement. The choice between the two depends on the extent of the delay. If it is a small delay, use "a little delayed". If it is a longer delay, use "significantly delayed".