delay action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to postponing or deferring a specific action or decision. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to delay action on the project until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These may sometimes delay action.

The New York Times

Their only goal is to delay action.

The Guardian

"It would delay action and postpone reform.

The Guardian

They have introduced legislation to delay action by the commission.

The New York Times

"The commission has elected to delay action for a period of not more than three weeks".

The New York Times

Mr. Lott wants to delay action on the issue until spring.

The New York Times

The government says a royal commission is a waste of money and would delay action.

The Guardian

They hope to delay action until a new president can appoint a new S.E.C. chairman.

The New York Times

It would simply be to delay action rather than to avert it.

The Economist

For areas or species not at immediate risk, we can delay action while monitoring to detect changes in that status.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We cannot allow the complexity of the issues around defining and monitoring food waste to delay action any further.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delay action", clearly state the reason for the delay to avoid ambiguity and potential misinterpretations. Providing context enhances clarity and helps the audience understand the rationale behind the postponement.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences using "delay action" in a passive voice that obscures who is responsible for the delay. Instead of saying "Action was delayed", specify who delayed the action: "The committee decided to delay action".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay action" functions as a verb phrase, where "delay" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("action"). It signifies the act of postponing or deferring something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "delay action" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to indicate the postponement of an activity or decision. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is a correct and usable phrase. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While alternatives like "postpone action" or "defer action" exist, "delay action" is a clear and direct way to convey the idea of postponement. When using the phrase, providing context for the delay is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone action

Replaces "delay" with "postpone", implying a temporary suspension.

defer action

Uses "defer" instead of "delay", suggesting a more formal postponement.

stall action

Emphasizes hindering or impeding progress using "stall".

put off action

Replaces "delay" with the phrasal verb "put off", indicating procrastination.

hold off on action

Indicates a temporary restraint from initiating action.

suspend action

Suggests a temporary cessation of activity.

table action

Implies setting aside a proposal or plan for future consideration.

slow down action

Focuses on reducing the pace of progress rather than complete postponement.

hinder action

Emphasizes obstruction or impediment.

impede action

Similar to hinder, but suggests a more significant obstruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "delay action" to describe the postponement of a decision or activity. For example, "The government decided to delay action on the proposed legislation".

What are some alternatives to "delay action"?

Alternatives include "postpone action", "defer action", or "stall action", each with slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it better to say "delay action" or "delay taking action"?

"Delay action" is more concise and commonly used. "Delay taking action" is grammatically correct but can sound redundant. Opt for the simpler phrasing unless you need to emphasize the process of taking action.

What is the difference between "delay action" and "defer decision"?

"Delay action" refers to postponing any kind of action, while "defer decision" specifically means to postpone making a decision. The choice depends on whether you're postponing a decision or another type of activity.