continue to be delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to be delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ongoing delays in a process, event, or situation. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project will continue to be delayed until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Relief experts speak of a second disaster involving deaths from disease and lack of medical treatment should large-scale aid continue to be delayed.

The New York Times

Sixteen years after the attacks, the notorious prison is still occupied, trials continue to be delayed, and the costs keep mounting.

The New Yorker

The shutdown of airspace was one of the most sweeping ever ordered in peacetime, amid fears that travel could continue to be delayed days after the cloud dissipates.

The New York Times

We continue to be delayed as the woman with the suitcases counters that the trip to Southampton was over eighteen months ago and a relationship can't be powered solely on the fumes of a few distant memories.

The New Yorker

Stephen J. Kieras, Taubman's senior vice president of development, said in a statement, "We are disappointed that the mall will continue to be delayed, especially during these economic times when jobs are scarce and tax revenue is so desperately needed".

The New York Times

By Amy Davidson Sorkin September 11, 2017 Sixteen years after the 9/11 attacks, the notorious prison at Guantánamo Bay is still occupied, trials continue to be delayed, and the costs keep mounting.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Delivery of paper documents, including reports of executive stock transactions, continues to be delayed because of security procedures, the agency said last week.

The New York Times

It said: A number of significant orders which had been expected and planned for production in the second half of the current financial year have continued to be delayed.

The Guardian - Business

Seattle's comeback continues to be delayed Seattle have dug themselves a hole and it appears they can't stop digging.

Independent

After promoting the conference for so long, the Russian leadership could find itself in a difficult situation if it continues to be delayed, or is finally convened and an accord is not reached.

The New York Times

So I just said, 'Screw you!'" Although the 22-year-old's debut album has continued to be delayed, Banks has released a slow drip of internet-only singles.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to be delayed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and the reason for the ongoing postponement. For example, "The project will "continue to be delayed" due to unforeseen circumstances."

Common error

While "continue to be delayed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider active alternatives like "The project's delays persist" for a more direct tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to be delayed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action or event is experiencing ongoing postponement. It describes a state of prolonged deferment, often due to external factors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continue to be delayed" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned passive verb phrase used to indicate ongoing postponement. While the phrase is well understood, it's worth considering active alternatives for stronger writing. Based on the examples analyzed by Ludwig, this expression is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, careful consideration of style and context will help in effective communication. As a reminder, use active voice when you can, as it often leads to more direct, engaging prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain postponed

Replaces 'continue' with 'remain' and 'delayed' with 'postponed', emphasizing a state of being postponed.

encounter indefinite delays

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of a fixed timeline for the delay.

persist in being delayed

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the delay using 'persist'.

are repeatedly deferred

Replaces 'delayed' with 'deferred', indicating a formal postponement.

suffer ongoing delays

Shifts the focus to experiencing delays continuously.

extended delays endure

Highlights the continuation of delays over a prolonged period.

face continuous rescheduling

Focuses on the act of rescheduling rather than the delay itself.

keep getting pushed back

Uses a more informal, active voice to describe the repeated postponement.

protracted postponement persists

Formal and emphatic, indicating an extended period of postponement.

experience continued setbacks

Replaces 'delayed' with the broader term 'setbacks', suggesting repeated obstacles.

FAQs

What does "continue to be delayed" mean?

It means something that was already postponed or slowed down is still experiencing further delays, indicating the situation hasn't improved and the postponement is ongoing.

What are some alternatives to "continue to be delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "remain postponed", "persist in being delayed", or "suffer ongoing delays" depending on the context.

Is it better to use an active or passive voice with "continue to be delayed"?

While "continue to be delayed" is grammatically correct, using an active construction such as "delays persist" can sometimes create a more direct and impactful statement.

Which is more formal, "continue to be delayed" or "keep getting pushed back"?

"Continue to be delayed" is more formal. "Keep getting pushed back" is a more informal and colloquial way of expressing the same idea.