a reasonable delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a delay that is considered acceptable or justifiable under certain circumstances. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are requesting a reasonable delay in the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"A reasonable delay is three months.

The Guardian - Sport

Interviewed on television this evening, Mr. Hamelin said he had withheld the tape for a year because he thought that was "a reasonable delay".

The New York Times

Fort Wayne, for example, has an eight-page protocol stating that while the department has no set waiting period before family or friends can give a missing-person report, "a reasonable delay is allowable unless extenuating circumstances are present".

The New York Times

In informal discussions, some opposition leaders said they would agree to a reasonable delay in the presidential election were it necessary in order to hold the local vote first.

The Guardian

For a reasonable delay constraint, the proposed algorithms achieve the best number of served devices.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Therefore, although strict time constraints do not apply, spreading the information should be achieved within a reasonable delay.

Computer Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Still, in low to moderate mobility scenarios, a reasonable feedback delay can be compensated by prediction algorithms at the receivers [30], thus justifying the validity of the presented results.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Simulation results show that RPB-MD, compared with representative existing schemes, achieves high delivery ratio, limited overhead, reasonable delay and high network reachability under different vehicular traffic density and data sending rate.

Ad Hoc Networks

In a 38-page ruling, justice Gilles R. Pelletier concluded that the city failed to respect the defendants' constitutional right to be tried within reasonable delay and pointed out several gaps in the prosecution, which he deemed were just short of a "denial of justice".

Vice

The multi-level lot-sizing (MLLS) problem is a combinatorial optimization problem which can only be solved optimally within reasonable delays when small instances are considered.

Computers & Operations Research

Therefore, reasonable delays in surgical treatment for patients with open fractures may be justified in order to provide an optimal operating environment.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable delay", ensure that you can justify the delay with clear and understandable reasons. Provide context to help others understand why the delay is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that there will be "a reasonable delay" without providing any explanation. This can lead to frustration and mistrust. Always offer a brief justification or timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable delay" functions as a noun phrase, where "reasonable" modifies the noun "delay". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a postponement that is considered justifiable or acceptable within a given context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

55%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable delay" is a commonly used phrase to describe a postponement that is considered acceptable or justifiable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki sources, it's crucial to provide context and justification when using this phrase to avoid miscommunication. Consider using alternatives like "an acceptable delay" or "a justifiable delay" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justifiable delay

Replaces "reasonable" with "justifiable", emphasizing the defensibility or legitimacy of the delay.

an acceptable delay

Substitutes "reasonable" with "acceptable", focusing on the delay being satisfactory or permissible.

a fair delay

Replaces "reasonable" with "fair", suggesting the delay is equitable and just in the given circumstances.

a tolerable delay

Substitutes "reasonable" with "tolerable", implying the delay is endurable, though perhaps not ideal.

a permissible delay

Replaces "reasonable" with "permissible", indicating the delay is allowed or authorized.

a legitimate delay

Replaces "reasonable" with "legitimate", emphasizing the lawfulness or validity of the delay.

an appropriate delay

Substitutes "reasonable" with "appropriate", focusing on the suitability of the delay in a specific context.

a suitable delay

Replaces "reasonable" with "suitable", highlighting the fitness or adequacy of the delay for a particular purpose.

a pardonable delay

Substitutes "reasonable" with "pardonable", suggesting the delay is excusable and not deserving of blame.

an excusable delay

Replaces "reasonable" with "excusable", highlighting the delay being forgivable due to extenuating circumstances.

FAQs

What does "a reasonable delay" mean?

The phrase "a reasonable delay" refers to a period of postponement that is considered acceptable or justifiable under the circumstances. What constitutes a "reasonable delay" can vary depending on the context.

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

You can use "a reasonable delay" to request or explain a postponement, such as, "We anticipate "a reasonable delay" in the project's completion due to unforeseen circumstances".

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

Alternatives to "a reasonable delay" include phrases like "an acceptable delay", "a justifiable delay", or "a tolerable delay". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What factors determine if a delay is considered "reasonable"?

Factors influencing whether a delay is considered "reasonable" often include the nature of the task, the reasons for the delay, the impact of the delay on others, and any prior agreements or expectations.