a major delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant postponement or setback in a schedule or timeline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there was a major delay in the project completion date."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This has caused a major delay, which as far as the chemical industry is concerned is a victory.

Yale University

Does Israel have the ability to cause severe damage to Iran's nuclear sites and bring about a major delay in the Iranian nuclear project?

The New York Times - Magazine

The last time such a major delay happened, after an IT glitch in June 2012, UK regulators hit the bank with a fine of £56 million.

Independent

"In the cases where we have seen bad outcomes, it was usually because they were not treated or there was a major delay in treatment, on the level of years," Dr. Clemens said.

The New York Times - Health

There is a major delay initiated that would make it nearly impossible (or incredibly time-consuming) to use this method.

TechCrunch

We showed that it is necessary to match the replication mechanisms with the clean-up mechanisms, otherwise a major delay drop can be experienced.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The 12 medical students and 1 physician who returned completed surveys and attended the symposium all reported a delay in their training, with 75% of respondents citing a past and current lack of Clinical and Basic Science faculty as a major delaying factor.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

The White House has announced a fourth major delay to its troubled healthcare reforms, pushing back the deadline for insurers to meet new standards of coverage until well after November's midterm elections.

The Guardian

And now, the agency is about to announce another major delay in a separate high-profile program: the spacecraft Boeing is building to fly astronauts to the International Space Station.

The Washington Post

But, he said, Ford needed a major implementation delay.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This precision eliminates the need for wheelchair ramps, a major time delay," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major delay", consider specifying the cause or impact of the delay to provide more context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a major delay" without providing specific details about what is being delayed or the reasons behind it. Vague use can diminish the impact of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major delay" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that it adheres to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major delay" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant postponement or setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity, it's best to provide context about the cause and impact of the delay. While synonyms like "a significant postponement" or "a considerable setback" offer similar meanings, the phrase itself is versatile and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant postponement

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the delay.

a considerable setback

Highlights the negative impact on progress or goals.

a substantial holdup

Suggests an obstruction or impediment causing the delay.

a lengthy interruption

Focuses on the duration of the pause or disruption.

a critical impediment

Highlights that the delay is a key obstacle.

a severe disruption

Emphasizes the disorganization or chaos caused by the delay.

a protracted deferment

Suggests a formal or official postponement for a long duration.

a notable suspension

Focuses on the temporary halt of an activity or process.

a material retardation

Emphasizes the slowing down of progress or development.

a consequential hindrance

Highlights that the delay has notable repercussions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major delay" to describe a significant postponement or setback. For example, "There was "a major delay" in the project due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "a major delay"?

Alternatives include "a significant postponement", "a considerable setback", or "a substantial holdup" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "major delay" or "significant delay"?

Both "major delay" and "significant delay" are acceptable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context, as they convey similar meanings.

What causes "a major delay" in project timelines?

Numerous factors can lead to "a major delay", including unexpected technical challenges, resource constraints, or external events such as regulatory hurdles or natural disasters.