are delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not happening at the expected time, often in contexts related to schedules or timelines. Example: "The flights are delayed due to inclement weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pensions are delayed.

The New York Times

So grammars are delayed.

The Guardian

Countertops are delayed.

The New York Times

But many projects are delayed.

The Economist

Redemption and retribution are delayed.

The Guardian - Film

Its iron-ore projects are delayed.

The Economist

Some reunions are delayed by band members' solo careers.

The Guardian - Music

The demonstrations are delayed 24 hours for trivial reasons.

The New Yorker

Hughes added: "It means our plans are delayed.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Academics almost by definition are delayed-gratification specialists, but still.

The New York Times

Those planes are delayed and then those delays cause other flights to be late, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are delayed", clearly state the reason for the delay to provide context and manage expectations. For example: "The shipments are delayed due to unforeseen logistical challenges."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "The project is delayed". Instead, provide a specific reason or actor responsible for the delay to maintain transparency and accountability. For example, prefer "The project is delayed because of the supplier's late delivery" over the generic one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are delayed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is experiencing a delay. According to Ludwig, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, such as delayed pensions or projects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are delayed" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that conveys the idea that something is not happening on schedule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples across varied contexts like news, science, and business. While the phrase is most common in news and media, it’s also prevalent in scientific literature. For clarity, it's best practice to specify the cause of the delay, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives like "have been postponed" or "are running late" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively communicate delays with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been postponed

Indicates a formal rescheduling to a later time.

are running late

Suggests a current state of tardiness, often implying progress is still being made, albeit behind schedule.

are held up

Implies an obstruction or impediment is causing the delay.

are behind schedule

Highlights the deviation from a planned timeline.

are being deferred

Implies a conscious decision to postpone to a future time.

have been adjourned

Suggests a temporary suspension with plans to resume later.

are being retarded

Emphasizes the slowing down or hindering of progress.

are stagnating

Indicates a lack of progress and potential cessation of activity.

are encountering setbacks

Highlights difficulties or problems that are causing the delay.

are grinding to a halt

Indicates a severe slowing down, nearing a complete stop.

FAQs

How can I use "are delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "are delayed" to indicate that something is not happening on time. For example, "The flights "are delayed" due to bad weather" or "The project milestones "are delayed" because of technical issues".

What's a more formal way to say "are delayed"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "have been postponed" or "are being deferred" to convey the same meaning as "are delayed" while maintaining a professional tone.

What can I say instead of "are delayed" to emphasize the reason for the delay?

If you want to emphasize the cause of the delay, you might say "are held up" or "are behind schedule due to..." followed by the specific reason. For example, "The deliveries "are held up" by customs".

Is it better to say "is delayed" or "are delayed"?

The correct form depends on whether you're referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is delayed" for singular nouns (e.g., "The train is delayed") and "are delayed" for plural nouns (e.g., "The trains "are delayed"").