any holdups

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any holdups" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about delays or obstacles in a process or situation. Example: "Please let me know if there are any holdups with the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In a letter to the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, the chair of the Commons health committee, Sarah Wollaston, said that any holdups could put patient care at risk.

The Guardian

The sign-off process did not take as long as we had envisaged and worked very well and with hardly any holdups.

The Guardian

"What counts most now is that Russia and the United States start moving jointly or along parallel courses toward radically lowered ceilings on nuclear warheads without any holdups," Mr. Putin said before leaving Moscow.

The New York Times

"What counts most now is that Russia and the United States start moving jointly or along parallel courses toward radically lowered ceilings on nuclear warheads without any holdups," Mr. Putin said before leaving for Mongolia and then Brunei for a summit meeting of Asian and Pacific leaders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I mean, any rational holdup artist would have taken the money".

The New Yorker

Their second and most recent album, "Sand & Snow," which is packed with piano-heavy gushers that are just begging for commercial radio play, hasn't faced any such holdup.

The New Yorker

He told how a lever-operated beam would run beneath the trapdoor, and how it would be axle-greased to make sure there wouldn't be any last-minute holdups.

The New Yorker

The aim is to maintain a constant flow of production, which involves a balance in personnel in the various departments to avoid a holdup in any stage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For riders, the cause of a holdup is immaterial: any issue can be laid at the feet of the transportation authority, especially if the skies are clear.

The New York Times

But advocates from several organizations said the most they could do was to get the authority to review an application to find out if any documents were missing, causing a holdup, or if the person forgot to include details that would mean a higher place on the list.

The New York Times

So are armed juveniles who have exhibited a startling willingness to kill over virtually any slight, or during street-corner holdups in which electronic devices like iPods and cellphones are prized items.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "any holdups" when inquiring about potential delays or obstacles in a project, process, or situation, particularly when seeking reassurance that things are proceeding smoothly.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "any holdups" can sound informal in certain contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "any delays" or "any impediments" in business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any holdups" functions primarily as an inquiry or question regarding potential delays or obstructions. It seeks to ascertain whether there are any impediments affecting the progress of a given task, project, or situation. Ludwig AI validates this function based on example contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "any holdups" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as an inquiry about potential delays. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and indicates its neutral-to-informal register. While it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, it can be useful in various settings to proactively identify and address potential problems. For more formal situations, consider using synonyms such as "any delays" or "any impediments". Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding too informal in professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any delays

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym for "holdups".

any setbacks

This alternative focuses on potential impediments to progress.

any impediments

This alternative suggests formal obstacles that could cause a stop.

any hitches

This alternative refers to small, unexpected problems.

any complications

This alternative addresses the possibility of complex issues arising.

any snags

This alternative emphasizes unforeseen difficulties.

any glitches

This alternative highlights minor malfunctions that might cause delays.

any stoppages

This alternative implies a complete cessation of activity.

any obstructions

This alternative indicates physical or metaphorical barriers.

any difficulties

This alternative speaks to potential problems or challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "any holdups" in a sentence?

You can use "any holdups" to ask about potential delays or problems. For example, "Are there "any holdups" with the delivery?"

What are some alternatives to "any holdups"?

Alternatives include "any delays", "any setbacks", or "any problems", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "any holdups"?

It is appropriate in informal and neutral contexts when inquiring about potential delays or obstructions. It might not be suitable for highly formal or technical writing.

Is "any holdups" considered formal or informal language?

"Any holdups" leans towards the informal side. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "any impediments" or "any complications".