a substantial delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “a substantial delay” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a period of time that is longer than expected or desired. For example: “The construction project has been subject to a substantial delay due to heavy rainfall in the area.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a substantial delay, the trial began in 2008 but was suspended in 2011 when he as diagnosed with cancer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There has not been a substantial delay of other Grand Theft Auto games in the past, said a company spokesman, Edward Nebb.

The New York Times - Tech

On being told it was a mere £4,000, £161,000 less than he had earned for one in 1997, there was a substantial delay before O'Sullivan potted it for "the fans".

The Guardian - Sport

But a substantial delay would award a victory to the people who are trying their murderous hardest to prevent the elections ever taking place the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

The Economist

She finds a substantial delay of motherhood of approximately 1.5 2 years.

SERIEs

Local extinction of species can occur with a substantial delay following habitat loss or degradation.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

A substantial delay in reconstruction time of CT data can therefore theoretically decrease the survival rate of traumatic patients.

Insights into Imaging

These variations in the signals produce a substantial delay in the relay's operation and usually lead to their under-reaching.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

They risk either being left without the money they were counting on, or getting it with a substantial delay, much later than they actually need it".

Science Magazine

In a between-subjects design, we observe the impact of a substantial delay of risk resolution (2 days) on investment choices.

Journal of Economic Psychology

The two live-chilled groups showed a substantial delay in time to onset of rigor mortis, and had a lower maximum rigor score than untreated and crowded groups.

Aquaculture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a substantial delay", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and the impact of the delay. Providing specific details helps the reader understand the significance of the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial delay" for minor or insignificant delays. 'Substantial' implies the delay has a noteworthy impact or duration; otherwise, use words like 'slight' or 'minor'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial delay" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a period of time that is significantly longer than expected. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to denote a significant postponement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial delay" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that signifies a significant postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. It's most frequently used in scientific and news contexts to describe noteworthy delays, highlighting the importance of the term across multiple domains. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the cause and impact of the delay to enhance clarity. Consider related phrases like "a significant postponement" or "a considerable holdup" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant postponement

Focuses on the act of postponing rather than the duration of the delay.

a considerable holdup

Implies an obstruction causing the delay, rather than the delay itself.

a protracted interruption

Highlights the interruption aspect and suggests a longer duration.

an extended deferment

Formal and emphasizes the action of delaying something to a later time.

a lengthy setback

Indicates a reversal or obstacle that causes the delay.

a major setback

Emphasizes the negative impact of the delay.

a prolonged waiting period

Focuses on the experience of waiting due to the delay.

a large time gap

Highlights the interval of time that has passed.

a noticeable lag

Suggests a less severe or impactful delay, but still perceptible.

a considerable lapse of time

Highlights the passing of time during the delay.

FAQs

What does "a substantial delay" mean?

The phrase "a substantial delay" refers to a significant postponement or extension of time beyond what was expected or desired. It implies the delay is noteworthy and has a considerable impact.

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant postponement", "a considerable holdup", or "a lengthy setback" depending on the context.

How do I use "a substantial delay" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial delay" to describe a situation where something is delayed for a considerable amount of time. For example, "The project experienced a substantial delay due to unforeseen circumstances."

Is it better to use "a considerable delay" or "a substantial delay"?

Both "a considerable delay" and "a substantial delay" are acceptable and very similar in meaning. "Substantial" may imply a slightly larger or more impactful delay, but the terms are often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.