a time delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a period of time that elapses before an action or event occurs. Example: "Due to a time delay in processing the orders, customers may experience longer wait times for delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The climate operates on a time delay.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, however, "there may be a time delay," he said.

The New York Times

Olympic events are often broadcast on a time delay.

The New York Times

In this contribution, a time delay compensation method is designed.

Infrared Physics & Technology

This page is a time delay redirect, please update your bookmarks to our new location!

Cornell University

His last, by satellite, featured a time delay and jokes no one got.

The New York Times

This Burberry collection will be the last to operate on a time delay.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How long a time delay did he need between touch and sound?

The New York Times - Health

After a time delay Δt, the probe pulse triggers the Auston switch.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Every IRAM storyboard I saw from Iraq had a time-delay fuze.

The New York Times

The model uses a time-delay architecture, a special case of a feed-forward neural network.

Computers & Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of policies or actions, specify the expected duration of the "a time delay" to provide clarity. For example, "There will be a time delay of three months before the new regulations take effect."

Common error

Avoid using "a time delay" vaguely. Instead, quantify it or specify the reason behind it. Saying "There is a time delay" without further explanation leaves the audience unclear about the delay's significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an interval or pause between two events. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a period that elapses before an action or event occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time delay" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to an interval between two events or actions. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Our analysis, based on a wide range of examples, shows it is frequently used in science, news media, and academic writing. While alternatives like ""a lag time"" or "a waiting period" exist, "a time delay" remains a straightforward and widely understood choice. Remember to quantify the delay or clarify its cause for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lag time

This alternative suggests a period where progress is slower than expected or entirely absent.

a waiting period

This phrase emphasizes the necessity to wait before something can proceed or become effective.

an interval

This term is a more general term for a period intervening between two points in time.

a postponement

This indicates that something has been officially delayed to a later date.

a setback

This term highlights a sudden or unexpected delay in progress.

a hold-up

Suggests a disruption or obstruction causing a delay.

a deferral

This implies an official decision to delay something until a future time.

a respite

This indicates a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant, implying a temporary delay in ongoing activities.

a moratorium

This term describes a temporary prohibition of an activity.

an interruption

This refers to a break in the continuity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a time delay" to describe a pause or interval between an action and its consequence. For example, "The policy change will experience "a lag time" before its effects are visible."

What are some alternatives to "a time delay"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like ""a lag time"", "a waiting period", or "an interval".

Is it more appropriate to say "time delay" or "a time delay"?

Both are acceptable, but "a time delay" is generally used when referring to a specific instance of a delay, while "time delay" (without the article) can be used more generically as a concept or characteristic.

What causes "a time delay"?

Many factors can cause "a time delay", including processing times, communication lags, and system inefficiencies. These delays can affect various processes from scientific experiments to broadcasts.