contract has been delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contract has been delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the status of a contract that is not progressing as scheduled. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the contract has been delayed, and we will need to renegotiate the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In addition, the $20 billion aerial refueling tanker contract has been delayed by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld until after the election.

The New York Times

On the latter Liberum Capital said: Serco remains preferred bidder for three Yorkshire prisons (Lindholme, Moorland and Hatfield) but the decision to award the contract has been delayed pending the results of the investigation.

The Guardian - Business

But the contract has been delayed before.

Forbes

However, the contract has been delayed and the Chinese could dangle the 'volume carrot' to extract lower prices, a tactic India used in their contract," Juvekar said.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While the sword of Damocles (best value tendering for block legal aid contracts) has been delayed for a year or so, the salami slicing of public funding continues unabated.

The Guardian

In other cases, new contracts have been delayed, including projects to make government buildings more energy-efficient.

The New York Times

The contracts had been delayed when the collision of a Navy reconnaissance plane and a Chinese fighter jet over the Sea of China early last month raised fears that Beijing might withhold contracts from American companies.

The New York Times

A £1bn Army contract to replace its Apache attack helicopters has been delayed due to lobbying by the firm AgustaWestland, Whitehall insiders say.

BBC

A retail development, called Front Street, is planned across from the convention center, though its construction has been delayed by disputes over contract details.

The New York Times

As a result "Crunk Rock," the seventh Lil Jon album, which has been delayed for several years because of contract squabbles and other distractions, feels warmly nostalgic.

The New York Times - Arts

It is understood Jones's departure from British Land has been delayed over his demands to have his contract honoured.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "contract has been delayed", clearly state the reason for the delay and the expected new timeline. This provides transparency and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "contract has been delayed" without providing context. Saying simply that the contract is delayed can create uncertainty. Always specify the cause and potential impact of the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract has been delayed" functions as a statement indicating that the progress or execution of a contractual agreement has been postponed or faces setbacks. This statement serves to inform stakeholders about the current status of the contract.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contract has been delayed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a contractual agreement is experiencing a postponement. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While its usage is straightforward, providing context about the reason for the delay and the expected new timeline is essential for clarity. It appears most frequently in news and business contexts and using alternatives such as "contract is postponed" or "contract is deferred" can provide slight variations in meaning. Always aim for transparency and clear communication when discussing contract delays to maintain strong business relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contract is postponed

Replaces "delayed" with "postponed", indicating a later start date.

contract is deferred

Uses "deferred" instead of "delayed", suggesting a temporary suspension.

contract has been put on hold

Indicates a temporary cessation of the contract's progression.

contract's execution is suspended

Emphasizes the halting of the contract's active implementation.

contract faces a setback

Highlights an obstacle causing the delay.

contract is experiencing delays

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the delays.

contract is held up

Implies the contract is being impeded by external factors.

contract has been pushed back

Uses a more informal term to indicate postponement.

contract's timeline is extended

Specifies that the overall duration of the contract has increased due to the delay.

contract's progress is stalled

Suggests the contract's advancement has come to a standstill.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "contract has been delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "contract is postponed", "contract is deferred", or "contract has been put on hold" depending on the context.

What are common reasons a contract might be delayed?

Contracts can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, renegotiations, disputes, or external factors such as regulatory changes or economic downturns.

How does a contract delay impact business relationships?

A contract delay can strain business relationships if not managed properly. Clear communication, transparency, and proactive problem-solving are essential to mitigate potential negative impacts.

What steps can be taken to prevent contract delays?

Thorough planning, risk assessment, clear communication channels, and flexible contract terms can help minimize the likelihood of contract delays.