a minor delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant postponement in a schedule or timeline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be a minor delay in the delivery of your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Even a minor delay of one train can have a cascading effect on the other trains," said Lynn Bowersox, an assistant executive director at New Jersey Transit.

The New York Times

Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president for basketball operations, said in a statement that the surgery would be a minor delay in Bibby's season.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the president agreed to a minor delay in his major address on the economy and jobs, the implicit message will be the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not really, but in the subway a light bulb is never merely a light bulb, just as a minor delay is never minor when four million people daily are involved.

The New York Times

It has already been subject to a minor delay of its own: the first session was originally scheduled for August but had to be postponed after the inquiry's chairman, Lord Hardie, was taken ill.

Independent

After a minor delay, which also followed a mortar attack close to their hotel yesterday morning, the team "visited two hospitals, they interviewed witnesses, survivors and doctors, they also collected some samples," Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If the second center does not set himself quickly, the linesman can drop the puck quickly or call a minor delay-of-game penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

He would stay at Cornell, even if he had to add a second minor, delay his graduation and take the fall semester off.

The New York Times - Sports

The difference here, though, is that when you click on one of these links, the result loads instantly (or with a very minor delay).

TechCrunch

"With the exception of a few minor delays early on," added Rudolph, who planned to walk the entire 16.5-mile route with the tank, "things are just great".

Los Angeles Times

It's the first minor delay in a genuinely impressive ascent.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor delay", ensure the context clarifies what is being delayed. For example, "a minor delay in the project timeline" provides more clarity than just "a minor delay".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a minor delay". Overemphasizing its effects can undermine your credibility and create unnecessary anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a postponement or interruption that is not significant. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that the delay's impact is limited.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor delay" is a phrase used to describe a small or insignificant postponement. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-understood and serves the purpose of informing about a slight setback while minimizing concern. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being delayed and avoid exaggerating its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight setback

Replaces 'delay' with 'setback', emphasizing the hindering aspect.

a short postponement

Substitutes 'delay' with 'postponement', highlighting the act of rescheduling.

a trivial setback

Highlights the insignificance of the setback.

a brief interruption

Focuses on the temporary halt rather than the delay itself.

a minimal disruption

Emphasizes the minimal impact of the delay.

a small holdup

Uses a more informal term for delay, 'holdup'.

a momentary pause

Focuses on the short duration of the delay.

a marginal wait

Replaces 'delay' with 'wait', framing it as a waiting period.

a temporary impediment

Describes the delay as something that obstructs progress temporarily.

a negligible deferment

Uses more formal synonyms for 'minor' and 'delay'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor delay" to describe a small postponement in plans or schedules. For instance, "There will be "a minor delay" in the shipment due to weather conditions."

What's a good alternative to "a minor delay"?

Alternatives include "a slight setback", "a brief interruption", or "a small holdup", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a minor delay" or "a slight delay"?

Both ""a minor delay"" and "a slight delay" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference, as they have virtually identical meanings.

What does "a minor delay" imply about the severity of the delay?

"A minor delay" suggests that the postponement is small and will not significantly impact the overall timeline or outcome. It implies that the issue is easily manageable and will be resolved quickly.