considerable delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"considerable delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a time span that is longer than usual. For example, "The delivery truck was stuck in traffic, causing a considerable delay in the delivery of the items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After leaving the ship, there was considerable delay on the flight to Moscow.

The New Yorker

Several weeks later, the same search yielded results, but after a considerable delay.

The New York Times - Travel

But after considerable delay, its 17th season will premiere on Monday on NBC.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cellular service, after considerable delay compared with its growth in Europe, was also finally becoming cheaper and more widely available.

Princeton University

At 7.20pm, with a considerable delay, the first balloon floated into the night sky in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

The Guardian

Moynihan had, after considerable delay, assimilated the failures of the Great Society he wrote about 25 years earlier.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Unfortunately, we had a considerable delay reclaiming the account which we then back-billed," says a spokesperson.

The Guardian - Money

Additionally, there may be considerable delay in contaminants reaching the stream.

Journal of Hydrology

And Mr. Baker came very close to endorsing the Kremlin's plan for a referendum and a considerable delay in independence.

The New York Times

Besides, potential collisions in the schedules also incur considerable delay in delivering the sensing data.

Pervasive and Mobile Computing

Most of these women wouldn't have had a bone assessment before this happens, and there is often a considerable delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considerable delay" to emphasize that a delay is significant and has noticeable consequences, rather than merely stating a delay exists. For example: "The project faced a considerable delay due to unforeseen circumstances."

Common error

Don't use "considerable delay" when a brief or negligible pause is meant. Reserve it for situations where the delay is substantial and impactful, avoiding exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "considerable" modifies the noun "delay". It describes the extent or degree of the delay, emphasizing that it is significant or substantial. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "considerable delay" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant postponement. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and easily incorporated into writing. It is versatile across various domains, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its weight; it implies more than just a simple delay, suggesting one with noticeable consequences. Alternatives include "substantial postponement" or "significant waiting period". Be sure to use it accurately and avoid exaggeration to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial postponement

Emphasizes the act of postponing something to a later time, highlighting the significance of the delay.

significant waiting period

Focuses on the duration of waiting, stressing that the period is notably long.

extended holdup

Suggests something is being held back or prevented from progressing for a prolonged time.

lengthy deferral

Indicates that something has been officially put off or delayed for an extended duration.

prolonged intermission

Implies a break or pause that is longer than expected, often in a performance or activity.

appreciable lag

Highlights a noticeable gap or delay between two events or actions.

marked setback

Emphasizes the negative impact of the delay as an obstacle or hindrance to progress.

serious impediment

Indicates a significant obstruction or hindrance that causes a delay in achieving a goal.

notable slowdown

Focuses on the decrease in speed or progress, resulting in a delay.

protracted stoppage

Suggests a complete halt or cessation of activity that lasts for a considerable amount of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "considerable delay" to describe situations where there is a significant or noteworthy postponement. For example: "There was a considerable delay in the arrival of the supplies."

What are some alternatives to "considerable delay"?

Alternatives to "considerable delay" include phrases like "substantial postponement", "significant waiting period", or "extended holdup" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "significant delay" or "considerable delay"?

Both "significant delay" and "considerable delay" are appropriate and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Considerable" might suggest a slightly greater degree of delay than "significant", but the difference is subtle.

What causes a "considerable delay"?

A "considerable delay" can be caused by various factors, such as unforeseen circumstances, technical difficulties, administrative issues, or external events.