continually delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continually delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is repeatedly postponed or held up over a period of time. Example: "The project has been continually delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, causing frustration among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Severe weather and technical problems have continually delayed the operation.

The Guardian

And not just because he has continually delayed action on immigration reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the project has been continually delayed amid questions as to whether the company can afford to build it.

The Guardian - Business

But elections were continually delayed because the PA could not hold elections throughout all the Palestinian territories.

Britannica

The museum's opening had been continually delayed by fiscal crises and political infighting over the more than $40 million poured into it by Nassau County.

The New York Times

He now intends to spend two years on a project he has continually delayed: "I want to do Aids in the 80s.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The big danger is that Congress will continually delay phasing in the Cadillac tax now that the precedent has been established.

The Washington Post

And fourth, beware of managers who continually delay the start of coaching to "do more research" or "find the right person". It may be a sign they're just not ready to confront their issues.

Harvard Business Review

"It is difficult to be a postdoc for very long and continually delay getting a real job when real life starts to set in". Photo (top): al-Taqi.

Science Magazine

It is such thinking that leads to the D.C. government to removing the sole piece of playground equipment for children with disabilities from our local playground and that allows city council to continually delay passage of the People First Respectful Language Modernization Act that would remove the word "retarded" from official documents.

Huffington Post

In a statement of their own, they said the airline, Malaysian government and its military had "continually and extremely delayed, hidden and covered the facts, and attempted to deceive the passengers' relatives, and people all over the world".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continually delayed", ensure that the context clearly indicates a pattern of repeated postponements rather than a single, extended delay. It emphasizes the recurring nature of the delays.

Common error

Avoid using "continually delayed" when you mean a single, ongoing delay. "Continual" suggests intermittent repetition, while "continuous" implies an uninterrupted state. If the delay is unbroken, "continuously delayed" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continually delayed" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction. It describes an action (delaying) that is repeatedly performed on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continually delayed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes something being repeatedly postponed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media sources. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the nuances between "continual" and "continuous" to ensure accuracy. For related concepts, alternatives like "repeatedly postponed" or "persistently deferred" can offer subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeatedly postponed

Focuses on the act of postponing happening multiple times.

persistently deferred

Highlights the ongoing nature of the deferral and its resistance to resolution.

constantly rescheduled

Emphasizes changes to the schedule as the primary cause of delay.

incessantly put off

Highlights a reluctance to address something, leading to ongoing delays.

chronically late

Focuses on the habitual tardiness, implying a pattern of lateness rather than specific postponements.

perpetually adjourned

More formal and suggests a formal suspension or postponement, often in meetings or legal contexts.

regularly held back

Indicates a restraining force or barrier that causes recurrent delays.

habitually protracted

Emphasizes the lengthening or drawing out of something over time as a customary behavior.

protracted indefinitely

Highlights the lack of a defined end or resolution to the delay.

stalled time after time

Focuses on repeated blocks or impediments that stop or slow progress on multiple occasions.

FAQs

What does "continually delayed" mean?

The phrase "continually delayed" describes something that is postponed or deferred repeatedly over a period of time. It implies a pattern of delays rather than a single instance.

What can I say instead of "continually delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "repeatedly postponed", "persistently deferred", or "constantly rescheduled" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "continually delayed" and "continuously delayed"?

Yes, while similar, "continually delayed" implies a series of delays with possible interruptions, whereas "continuously delayed" suggests a single, unbroken period of delay. Consider the context to choose the most accurate term.

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

You can use "continually delayed" to describe projects, events, or actions that are repeatedly postponed, such as, "The construction project was "continually delayed" due to funding issues."