apologised for the delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apologised for the delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing regret for a delay in response or action, typically in formal or professional communication. Example: "I apologise for the delay in responding to your email; I appreciate your patience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The council has apologised for the delay.

The Guardian

A spokeswoman for Qatar Airways apologised for the delay.

Independent

We've explained this to [the reader] and apologised for the delay and confusion.

Independent

The O2 apologised for the delay quite promptly, via Twitter at 11.08pm.

The Guardian - Music

It has apologised for the delay, which it says was due to a misunderstanding.

The Guardian - Money

Naturally it has apologised for the delay and "any inconvenience experienced", and insists the money is on the way.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Abellio Greater Anglia apologised for the "delays and cancellations".

BBC

Southeastern has apologised for the delays and said passengers would receive compensation of up to £30.

BBC

Eurotunnel apologised for the delays and said it had tried to keep customers moving.

BBC

Dutch train firm Abellio, which took over the Greater Anglia franchise on Sunday, apologised for the delays.

BBC

"I apologise for the delay," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "apologised for the delay", be specific about the reason for the delay if possible. This shows sincerity and provides context to the recipient.

Common error

Avoid using generic apologies like "apologised for the delay" without explaining the cause. This can sound insincere and may not adequately address the inconvenience caused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apologised for the delay" functions as a declarative statement expressing regret or remorse for a past delay. It indicates that someone has offered an apology to acknowledge and address the inconvenience caused by the lateness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apologised for the delay" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to convey regret for a past delay. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. The phrase serves the purpose of acknowledging inconvenience and maintaining goodwill. While it is generally neutral in register, adding specific reasons for the delay enhances sincerity. Common alternatives include expressing regret or offering an apology. When using the phrase, be mindful to avoid vagueness and provide context to show genuine remorse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acknowledged and apologised for the delay

Emphasizes both recognition and regret about the delay.

Expressed regret for the delay

Focuses more on the feeling of regret than the act of apologising.

Offered an apology for the delay

Highlights the offering of an apology, emphasizing the action.

Expressed remorse for the delay

Implies a deeper sense of guilt or sorrow regarding the delay.

Conveyed apologies for the delay

Suggests a formal or official communication of apology.

Extended an apology for the delay

Formally offers an apology, often in written or official communication.

Issued an apology for the delay

Suggests a public or official statement of apology.

Addressed the delay with an apology

Highlights the act of directly acknowledging and apologising for the delay.

Expressed contrition for the delay

Indicates sincere remorse and a feeling of guilt for the delay.

Said sorry for the delay

A more informal way of expressing apology.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "apologised for the delay"?

You can use alternatives like "expressed regret for the delay", "offered an apology for the delay", or "acknowledged and apologised for the delay" depending on the context.

How do I use "apologised for the delay" in a sentence?

The phrase is typically used when someone or an organization is expressing regret for a past delay. For example: "The company apologised for the delay in shipping the product".

What's the difference between "apologised for the delay" and "apologised for the inconvenience"?

"Apologised for the delay" specifically addresses regret for a time-related setback, while "apologised for the inconvenience" expresses regret for any trouble or difficulty caused, which may or may not be related to a delay.

Is it appropriate to use "apologised for the delay" in formal communication?

Yes, "apologised for the delay" is appropriate for formal communication. However, it's also important to provide context and a brief explanation for the delay to show sincerity. More formal alternatives could be considered for especially sensitive situations.