cause of delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause of delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the reason or factor that has led to a postponement or holdup in a process or event. Example: "The cause of delay in the project was due to unforeseen circumstances that affected the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In democracies, politics is the biggest cause of delay and financial upset.

The Economist

The real cause of delay (apart from failing to find Mr or Ms Right) is lack of systemic change.

The Guardian - Opinion

One factor said to be a cause of delay is the practice of sending witnesses relevant sections of a draft report in which they are criticised.

The Guardian - Tech

A major cause of delay was the need to apportion the aid among rival units of the Colombian Army and national police.

The New York Times - Magazine

A news release from the exchange said the cause of delay was "an internal systems issue and not the result of any outside influence".

The New York Times

But the plan to establish TD-SCDMA as a global 3G standard and sell gear to other countries now seems doomed to fail.A further cause of delay is disagreement over the structure of China's telecoms industry.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Although the commonest cause of delayed puberty is constitutional delay, all boys with delayed puberty who are over the age of 14 years should be assessed.

Clinical Endocrinology

That is the root cause of delays.

The New York Times

Weather is the biggest cause of delays.

The New York Times

Weather was the major cause of delays, and the figures do not include mechanical breakdowns.

The New York Times

But critics say airlines have been suffering collective amnesia about the cause of delays since the court ruling.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management, clearly identify the "cause of delay" to facilitate effective problem-solving and prevent future occurrences.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on immediate triggers; investigate underlying systemic issues that may be the true "cause of delay".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the reason or factor responsible for a postponement or holdup. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used to pinpoint specific issues leading to delays in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause of delay" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the reason for a postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various fields like science, news, and formal writing. While "reason for delay" and "factor contributing to the delay" serve as close alternatives, understanding the subtle nuances can enhance clarity. When using "cause of delay", be specific, investigate underlying issues, and consider the context to ensure effective communication and problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for delay

Focuses on the rationale behind the delay, emphasizing the explanation.

reason behind the delay

Stresses the underlying justification for the delay.

primary reason for the delay

Emphasizes the main factor contributing to the delay.

what caused the delay

Directly questions the reason for the delay.

source of delay

Highlights the origin or point from which the delay stems.

factor causing the delay

Emphasizes the element that actively contributes to the delay.

origins of the delay

Focuses on the initial circumstances that led to the delay.

basis for the delay

Highlights the fundamental reason on which the delay is predicated.

determinant of the delay

Focuses on what ultimately decides or controls the delay.

impediment to progress

Shifts the focus to what is hindering advancement or movement.

FAQs

How can I use "cause of delay" in a sentence?

You can use "cause of delay" to identify the reason why something is being held up. For example, "The main "cause of delay" was the unexpected equipment malfunction."

What's a more formal way to say "cause of delay"?

In a formal setting, you could use "reason for the delay" or "factor contributing to the delay" as alternatives.

What's the difference between "cause of delay" and "reason for delay"?

While similar, ""cause of delay"" often refers to the specific event or factor that directly led to the delay, whereas "reason for delay" can encompass broader explanations or justifications.

What are some common "causes of delay" in project management?

Common "causes of delay" in project management include poor communication, inadequate planning, resource constraints, and unforeseen technical challenges.