a small delay

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a small delay, a series of characters is displayed one at a time on the LCD.

Cornell University

There will still be a small delay -- about one-third of a second -- as the action bounces between locations.

The New York Times

In mice that had very drug-resistant tumors, standard treatment with Cytoxan caused only a small delay in tumor growth.

The New York Times - Science

Open Table and Food Line, however, have real-time reservations while RestaurantRow.com operates on a small delay.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, audio transmission by Bluetooth often introduces a small delay, making the soundtrack slightly out of sync with the video.

The New York Times - Tech

The visual dominance effect was also found when the two signals were presented with a small delay between them.

Displays

Experimental results indicate that the proposed topology can be used in a high-churn P2P network with a small delay.

Information Sciences

The game now employs a small delay routine (using timer 0) to keep the game challenging but not impossible to play.

Cornell University

While Enron's problems are big, ImClone's, he said, would mean only a "small delay" in the 20-year process of bringing Erbitux, which Dr. Mendelsohn developed, to market.

The New York Times

In her studies on self-tickling, Blakemore has used machines to create a small delay between the movement of the participant's hand and the actual tickling motion.

The Washington Post

As a result, some analysts think Sony is using a small delay to Blu-ray to justify a longer delay to the PS3.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small delay", specify the reason if possible. This provides context and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a small delay" when the delay is actually significant. Choose language that accurately reflects the scope and impact of the delay to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small delay" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a brief postponement or a slight interruption. Ludwig's examples show its common use in reporting minor disruptions or waits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small delay" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a brief postponement or interruption. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "a minor setback" or "a brief pause" exist, "a small delay" offers a neutral tone suitable for managing expectations without overstating the impact. When using this phrase, specifying the reason for the delay provides added clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief pause

Focuses on the temporary interruption, suitable when the delay is short and noticeable.

a short lag

Implies a trailing behind or a slower pace, relevant in technical or process-oriented contexts.

a minor setback

Emphasizes the hindering aspect, suggesting a temporary obstacle rather than just a time gap.

a momentary holdup

Stresses the brevity and temporary nature of the delay, suitable for unexpected stops.

a slight interruption

Highlights the disruptive nature of the delay, implying a minor disturbance.

a fleeting interruption

Underscores the quick and passing nature of the interruption, ideal for very short delays.

a limited postponement

Highlights the act of delaying and its restricted duration, fit for formal scenarios.

a marginal deferment

Signifies a slight and official delay, appropriate in formal or legal contexts.

a negligible pause

Emphasizes the unimportance of the pause, implying it's almost unnoticeable.

a fractional wait

Stresses the smallness of waiting time involved, applicable when time is critical.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small delay" to describe a brief postponement or interruption. For example, "There might be "a small delay" in processing your request due to the system upgrade."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a minor setback", "a brief pause", or "a slight interruption" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a short delay" or "a small delay"?

Both "a short delay" and "a small delay" are acceptable and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Short" emphasizes the duration, while "small" emphasizes the magnitude of the impact.

What causes "a small delay"?

A "small delay" can be caused by various factors such as technical issues, unforeseen circumstances, or minor logistical problems. It generally implies the cause is not significant and the delay is temporary.