delay for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay for" is correct and can be used in English writing.
It is commonly used to indicate a period of time that one must wait or postpone for. Example: "We apologize for the delay for your flight. The departure time has been pushed back by an hour due to technical difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A delay for repairs.

The Guardian - Sport

They are unlikely to delay for ever.

The Economist

There's no excuse for a 10-year delay for implementation".

The New York Times

The procedure caused a delay for exactly one car.

The New York Times

The downsides The long delay for current series is tough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Another day, another delay for the space shuttle Endeavour.

The New York Times

But the transit authority does not delay for budding romances.

The New York Times

"Another delay for the industry is completely unacceptable," he said.

The Guardian

There was one further delay for a technical problem.

The New York Times

"That was just delay for delay's sake," he said.

The New York Times

After the match, Petrova blamed the delay for her loss.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delay for" when referring to a specific cause or reason for the postponement. For example, "a delay for technical reasons".

Common error

Avoid using "delay of" when you mean a reason for a delay. "Delay of" refers to the act of delaying itself, not the cause. Use "delay for" to specify the reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the reason or cause of a postponement. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as "delay for technical problems" or "delay for treatment". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "delay for" is a grammatically correct and common prepositional phrase used to specify the cause or reason behind a postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and useful construction in English. It appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and formal communications, making it suitable for a range of contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it explains the 'why' behind a delay, as opposed to the act of delaying itself. Related phrases like "postponement of" or "interruption of" may offer alternative phrasing depending on the desired emphasis. Be mindful to differentiate its meaning from other prepositional constructions like "delay of". The phrase’s high frequency and broad applicability, according to Ludwig’s examples, make it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Postponement of

Focuses specifically on the act of delaying an event or action.

Suspension of

Indicates a temporary cessation or postponement.

Deferral of

Emphasizes the act of putting something off to a later time.

Waiting period for

Specifically refers to an expected or required delay.

Hold-up in

Highlights the interruption or obstruction causing the delay.

Lag in

Emphasizes a slower pace or a trailing behind schedule.

Hiccup in

Implies a minor, unexpected delay or disruption.

Downtime for

Highlights a period of inactivity or suspension.

Setback for

Suggests a delay that negatively impacts progress or plans.

Interruption of

Focuses on the disruption rather than the duration of the delay.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "delay for" in a sentence?

You can use "delay for" to indicate the reason behind a postponement, as in "There was a "delay for technical reasons"" or "The meeting experienced a "delay for inclement weather"".

What is an alternative to using the phrase "delay for"?

Alternatives include "postponement of", "rescheduling due to", or "interruption of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "delay of" instead of "delay for"?

"Delay of" refers to the act of delaying itself, whereas "delay for" specifies the reason. For instance, it's more appropriate to say "a delay for maintenance" rather than "a delay of maintenance".

What’s the difference between "delay for" and "wait for"?

"Delay for" implies something has been pushed back, while "wait for" indicates anticipating something in the future. A "delay for repairs" means the process is stalled pending repairs, while "wait for the bus" means anticipating its arrival.