an insignificant delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an insignificant delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delay that is minor or not important in the context of a situation. Example: "The project was still on track despite an insignificant delay in the delivery of materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus, an example of an experimental (or actual) F could be determined for a drug where both the postmortem peripheral blood and antemortem whole blood drug concentrations have been determined in the same individual (assuming an insignificant delay between the collection of the antemortem blood and the time of death).

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

How to celebrate such an insignificant day?

The New Yorker

Well, he's delaying an insignificant part of it, while the lion's share take off.

Huffington Post

Transit officials estimated the repairs could cost $60 million, not an insignificant amount for an agency saddled with budget woes and construction project delays.

The New York Times

An insignificant treatment group effect indicated an insignificant between-group difference.

Clinical interventions in aging

Not an insignificant difference.

Harvard University

Not an insignificant question, either.

The Washington Post

This is not an insignificant demographic.

The Guardian

That is not an insignificant sum.

The Guardian

This is not an insignificant problem.

Columbia University

This is not an insignificant statement.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an insignificant delay", ensure the context clearly establishes why the delay is unimportant. For example, quantify the delay or contrast it with a more significant potential issue.

Common error

Avoid using "an insignificant delay" when the delay has noticeable consequences. If the delay, however small, causes significant disruption or cost, a different phrase should be chosen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an insignificant delay" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "delay". It specifies the type and degree of the delay, indicating that it is of little importance or consequence. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an insignificant delay" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor postponement with little to no impact. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is valid and usable in English. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the delay is truly inconsequential to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "a minor delay" or "a slight setback" if a different nuance is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor postponement

Replaces "delay" with "postponement" and "insignificant" with "minor", emphasizing the brief nature of the delay.

a trivial holdup

Substitutes "delay" with "holdup" and "insignificant" with "trivial", suggesting the delay is inconsequential.

a negligible interruption

Replaces "delay" with "interruption" and "insignificant" with "negligible", highlighting the minimal impact of the delay.

a slight setback

Uses "setback" instead of "delay" and "slight" instead of "insignificant", indicating a minor impediment.

a minimal disruption

Substitutes "delay" with "disruption" and "insignificant" with "minimal", focusing on the small disturbance caused.

a small hiccup

Replaces "delay" with the more informal term "hiccup", emphasizing the minor and easily overcome nature of the issue.

an inconsequential lag

Uses "lag" instead of "delay" and "inconsequential" instead of "insignificant", suggesting the delay has no real impact.

a fleeting pause

Replaces "delay" with "pause" and "insignificant" with "fleeting", highlighting the brief duration of the delay.

a superficial deferment

Substitutes "delay" with "deferment" and "insignificant" with "superficial", indicating that the delay doesn't affect the underlying process.

a petty wait

Replaces "delay" with "wait" and "insignificant" with "petty", conveying a sense of annoyance at the trivial delay.

FAQs

How can I use "an insignificant delay" in a sentence?

You can use "an insignificant delay" to describe a minor postponement that does not have major consequences. For example: "The project was completed on time despite "an insignificant delay" in receiving the materials."

What phrases are similar to "an insignificant delay"?

Similar phrases include "a minor delay", "a trivial holdup", or "a negligible interruption". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to describe a delay as insignificant?

No, only use "an insignificant delay" if the delay truly has little to no impact. If the delay causes any noticeable problems or changes the outcome, a different description is needed.

What is the difference between "an insignificant delay" and "a minor delay"?

While both phrases describe a small delay, "an insignificant delay" suggests the impact is even less substantial than "a minor delay". "Insignificant" implies the delay is practically negligible.