could be delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of a postponement or holdup in a process, event, or delivery. Example: "The shipment could be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the election could be delayed.

The Economist

But then, next season could be delayed.

The New York Times - Sports

The defendants' release could be delayed if prosecutors appeal.

The New York Times

So the debate could be delayed until April or May.

The New York Times

That means it could be delayed for several more months.

MIT Technology Review

But a decision could be delayed, experts said.

The New York Times

Miller's decision could be delayed because he is on vacation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

If visibility is severely limited, the race could be delayed.

Los Angeles Times

That could be delayed until mid-November.

The New York Times

There is, however, a possibility that the distribution could be delayed by a legal challenge.

The New York Times

Demolition could be delayed for up to one year, although it ultimately cannot be stopped.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be delayed", consider specifying the reason for the potential delay to provide context and manage expectations. For instance, "The project could be delayed due to unforeseen weather conditions."

Common error

While "could be delayed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider active constructions where appropriate. For example, instead of "The decision could be delayed by the committee", try "The committee might delay the decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be delayed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty regarding a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate that something might not happen on schedule. Examples from Ludwig show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be delayed" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to express the possibility of a postponement or rescheduling. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific settings. While it is generally acceptable, being mindful of overusing passive voice can improve writing clarity. When employing "could be delayed", providing context about the potential reasons for the delay enhances communication. Consider alternatives like "might be postponed" or "may be rescheduled" to add nuance. "Could be delayed" is therefore an effective and widely understood way to communicate potential timeline adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be postponed

Replaces "could" with "might" for a slightly less certain possibility, and "delayed" with "postponed" emphasizing a planned later date.

may be rescheduled

Substitutes "could" with "may", suggesting possibility, and replaces "delayed" with "rescheduled" indicating a new time will be set.

is potentially postponed

Rephrases "could be" as "is potentially", adding emphasis on the possibility, and uses "postponed" for "delayed".

might experience a setback

Uses "might" instead of "could" and "setback" instead of "delay", focusing on the impediment rather than the timing.

is subject to postponement

Indicates that a delay is possible due to specific conditions or factors.

is liable to be late

Changes the structure to focus on lateness as a potential outcome, using "liable" to indicate probability.

faces the possibility of deferment

Replaces "delay" with the more formal "deferment", appropriate in official contexts.

runs the risk of being pushed back

Highlights the risk involved, suggesting external forces may cause a delay.

is in danger of being held up

Emphasizes the potential for obstruction or impediment causing the delay.

is at risk of being stalled

Indicates a significant slowdown or complete stop, rather than a simple delay.

FAQs

How can I use "could be delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "could be delayed" to express the possibility of something being postponed or happening later than expected. For example, "The meeting "could be delayed" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "could be delayed"?

Alternatives include "might be postponed", "may be rescheduled", or "might experience a setback", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "could be delayed" or "might be delayed"?

Both "could be delayed" and "might be delayed" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference, although "might" sometimes suggests a slightly lower probability than "could".

What is the difference between "could be delayed" and "will be delayed"?

"Could be delayed" indicates a possibility, while "will be delayed" suggests a higher degree of certainty. "Could" implies that the delay is not definite, whereas "will" indicates a confirmed delay.