brief delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of time during which something is postponed or held up. Example: "We apologize for the brief delay in the delivery of your order due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A brief delay while Grabavoy is treated.

The Guardian - Sport

The bus continued to New York after a brief delay.

The New York Times

Flight SA320 will be one hour late, following a brief delay in Atlanta.

The New Yorker

CHAPMAN IN COURT; WINS BRIEF DELAY; Convict Watches Calmly as His Counsel Scan Government Briefs.

The New York Times

Archives|CHAPMAN IN COURT; WINS BRIEF DELAY; Convict Watches Calmly as His Counsel Scan Government Briefs.

The New York Times

Eusebio was unable to make the play, and left the game after a brief delay.

The New York Times - Sports

There will be a brief delay while traffic moves through from the other direction.

The New Yorker

Usually, the brief delay was not a problem, except when I missed a turn.

The New York Times - Tech

CIFS "shares" will be come unavailable, but access will resume after a brief delay.

Cornell University

After a brief delay, Gonzalez told the Toronto trainer, Tommy Craig, that he could continue to play.

The New York Times - Sports

The event was shown with a brief delay so the company could bleep out excessive profanity or nudity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief delay" when you want to communicate a short and usually unexpected pause in an activity or process. It's suitable for situations where the interruption is minimal and doesn't significantly impact the overall timeline.

Common error

Avoid using "brief delay" when the interruption is longer than a few minutes or significantly disrupts the schedule. Opt for phrases like "significant delay" or "extended interruption" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief delay" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It describes a temporary interruption or postponement, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples such as "after a brief delay" or "causing a brief delay."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief delay" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a short period of interruption. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic settings. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it when the delay is substantial or has significant consequences. Consider alternatives like "short pause" or "minor interruption" for subtle variations in meaning. By understanding the nuances of "brief delay", you can communicate more precisely and effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting pause

Stresses the very short and transient nature of the pause.

short pause

Focuses on the interruption aspect, emphasizing the temporary cessation of activity.

short-lived interruption

Highlights that the interruption will not last long.

slight interruption

Emphasizes the minimal impact and brevity of the disruption.

minor holdup

Emphasizes the small scale of the delay.

quick suspension

Emphasizes the swift and temporary nature of the halt.

momentary setback

Highlights the temporary nature of the obstacle or hindrance.

short intermission

Implies a planned or structured pause within a larger event.

temporary cessation

Focuses on the action that briefly stopped.

small respite

Highlights the relief or break provided by the delay, even if short.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief delay" to describe a short pause in an activity, such as "There will be a "brief delay" while the system updates" or "The flight experienced a "brief delay" due to weather conditions".

What's a more formal alternative to "brief delay"?

In formal contexts, you could use "short postponement" or "minor interruption" instead of "brief delay".

Is "short delay" the same as "brief delay"?

"Short delay" and "brief delay" are often interchangeable, but "brief delay" might subtly imply a more unexpected or unplanned nature than "short delay".

When should I not use "brief delay"?

Avoid using "brief delay" if the delay is substantial or has significant consequences. In such cases, consider using terms like "major delay" or "extensive interruption".