a minuscule delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minuscule delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small or insignificant delay in a process or event. Example: "The project was completed ahead of schedule, with only a minuscule delay due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When you make a phone call, your voice is sampled maybe 50 times a second, and then reconstituted at the receiving end, with a minuscule delay to account for any network failings.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Green MSP Alison Johnstone said: "He admits the use of these pesticides only accounts for a minuscule proportion of what's used on our crops but instead of genuine precaution he's asking for a further delay.

BBC

That is a minuscule number.

The Guardian - Opinion

A minuscule burden, Mr. Shure calls it.

The New York Times

But, it attracted a minuscule audience.

The Guardian - Music

The budget was a minuscule $40,000.

The New York Times

"Maybe a little clay, but it's a minuscule amount".

The New York Times

A minuscule wire chair sports an eensy toilet seat.

The New York Times

His head peeked over into the skyline — a minuscule bump.

The New Yorker

The couple feared losing by a minuscule amount.

The New York Times

Instead, she is clinging to a minuscule lead".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minuscule delay" when you want to emphasize the unimportance or near-imperceptibility of a delay. It is particularly useful in contexts where timeliness is crucial, but a slight deviation occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "a minuscule delay" if the delay actually had significant consequences. Ensure the adjective accurately reflects the delay's true impact; otherwise, it may undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minuscule delay" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "minuscule" modifies the noun "delay". The phrase describes the extent of the delay. Ludwig confirms its usability and appropriateness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minuscule delay" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a very small or insignificant delay. According to Ludwig, this expression is usable in written English. While its frequency is rare, it's primarily found in News & Media. This phrase serves to minimize the perceived impact of the delay. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately represents the delay's true impact to maintain credibility. Ludwig also suggests "a slight delay" or "a tiny delay" as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very small delay

Uses "very small" to emphasize the smallness of the delay. It replaces the adjective "minuscule".

a slight delay

"Slight" suggests a small and unimportant delay, similar to "minuscule".

a negligible delay

"Negligible" indicates that the delay is so small it can be ignored, emphasizing its insignificance.

a minimal delay

"Minimal" highlights the extremely small amount of delay, similar to "minuscule".

a tiny delay

"Tiny" provides a more informal and relatable way to describe the smallness of the delay.

a marginal delay

"Marginal" suggests the delay is at the very edge of being noticeable or important.

an insignificant delay

"Insignificant" stresses that the delay has little to no impact or importance.

a virtually nonexistent delay

Emphasizes the delay's smallness by almost denying its existence.

a barely perceptible delay

Highlights the difficulty in noticing the delay, making it subtle and minor.

a fractional delay

"Fractional" suggests the delay is only a small fraction of the total time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minuscule delay" to describe a very small and insignificant delay, for example: "The project was completed on time, with only "a minuscule delay" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to saying "a minuscule delay"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "a slight delay", "a very small delay", or "a negligible delay", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a minuscule delay" in formal writing?

Yes, "a minuscule delay" is appropriate for formal writing. While "minuscule" can sound slightly elevated, it accurately conveys the smallness of the delay without being overly colloquial. For a more neutral tone, consider using "a slight delay".

What's the difference between "a minuscule delay" and "a minor delay"?

While both phrases indicate a small delay, ""a minuscule delay"" suggests an even smaller, almost imperceptible delay. "A minor delay" implies the delay is small but potentially noticeable or impactful, while "minuscule" emphasizes insignificance.