a tedious delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tedious delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delay that is long and boring, often causing frustration. Example: "The meeting was supposed to start at 10 AM, but due to a tedious delay in the arrival of the guest speaker, it didn't begin until nearly noon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For each person who saw an assortment of attractive games in the group phase, there were others who found it a tedious delay before the true contests began.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The context menus that appear on hover over every username should appear instantly, without the tedious delay.

TechCrunch

Hence, tedious delays; continual negotiation and intrigue; contemptible compromises of the public good.

The New Yorker

But by Friday only five had received visas, while the others experienced tedious delays at Mexican consulates.

The New York Times

They were wary of granting member units veto power typical of confederal arrangements, since that would render the center weak and cause "tedious delays; continual negotiation and intrigue; contemptible compromises of the public good".

SEP

"It's a tedious deal.

The New York Times

But to many, the actual act of traveling is a tedious chore: standing in long lines, subjecting yourself to rigorous scrutiny, delays, cancellations.

Forbes

It follows a tedious ritual.

The Economist

A tedious by necessary evil!

Cornell University

Writing is a tedious chore.

The New Yorker

It's not a tedious chore.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tedious delay", consider the context. It's most effective when the delay genuinely causes boredom or frustration due to its length and lack of interesting activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a tedious delay" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "a significant delay" or "an extended delay" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tedious delay" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tedious" modifies the noun "delay". It describes a specific type of delay characterized by being boring and protracted. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tedious delay" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a delay that is both lengthy and boring. While not exceedingly common, as noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys frustration and is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider whether a more neutral or formal alternative might be more appropriate. Related phrases such as ""a frustrating delay"" or ""a prolonged delay"" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frustrating delay

Focuses on the annoyance caused by the delay.

a prolonged delay

Emphasizes the length of the delay.

a wearisome delay

Highlights the tiring nature of waiting.

a tiresome delay

Similar to wearisome, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on annoyance.

a bothersome delay

Focuses on the inconvenience caused.

an irksome delay

Highlights the irritation produced by the delay.

a protracted delay

Similar to prolonged, but implies a more deliberate extension.

an agonizing delay

Stresses the mental suffering caused by the wait.

a trying delay

Focuses on how the delay tests one's patience.

a lengthy delay

Simple alternative that emphasizes the length.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tedious delay" to describe a situation where a waiting period is not only long but also boring and frustrating. For instance, "The project was stalled due to "a tedious delay" in obtaining the necessary permits".

What are some alternatives to "a tedious delay"?

Alternatives include "a frustrating delay", "a prolonged delay", or "a lengthy delay", depending on which aspect of the delay you want to emphasize.

Is "tedious delay" a formal expression?

While "tedious delay" is understandable, it leans slightly towards informal usage due to the subjective nature of "tedious". In formal contexts, consider using "significant delay" or "extended delay".

What makes a delay "tedious"?

A delay becomes "tedious" when it is not only long but also lacks any engaging or interesting elements, causing boredom and impatience.