delay in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay in progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where advancement or development is being hindered or postponed. Example: "The project is facing a delay in progress due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In recent months, China has warned that indefinite delay in progress toward unity may be grounds for military action.

The New York Times

After the Sept. 11 attacks, a delay in progress on the immigration issue was to be expected, but a complete derailment is what happened.

The New York Times

In recent months, ratcheting up the pressure, Beijing has said that indefinite delay in progress toward reunifying Taiwan with the motherland could be cause for war.

The New York Times

NASA says it still won't meet that goal for more than a decade, a long delay in progress that became a point of consternation for the last person to set foot on the lunar surface.

The Washington Post

The alert line was passed if the cervical dilation was slower than 1 cm per hour, and the action line was passed if the delay in progress continued beyond two hours.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

A delay in progress was also identified by Harder et al. [ 17], who found that expressions of rejecting an invitation, turning attention away, taking their time, disapproving, and resisting, were part of 5-year-old children's actions that delayed immunizations.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

There is chronic delay in progressing assessments and plans to protect children and meet their needs.

BBC

No World Series game had been delayed in progress since 1982, but this was more than a passing South Florida shower.

The New York Times - Sports

Delays in progress were encountered at the start due to personnel changes in the business analyst/programmer position in early 2005.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

When development had only been assessed clinically or using the Denver Developmental Screening Test-2 (DDST-II) 24 or its derivative the Lejarraga and Krupitzky test, 25 children were classed as being 'likely' to have developmental delay if progress in at least one domain was clearly less than that was to be expected of a child two-thirds that age.

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

G4S conceded that it had "encountered some delays in progressing applicants" for security work.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delay in progress", ensure the context clearly indicates what area or aspect is experiencing the delay. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "delay in progress" when a simpler term like "delay" suffices. For instance, instead of "the delay in progress of the project", consider "the project delay".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay in progress" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of suspended or slowed advancement. As indicated by Ludwig, it is generally considered grammatically correct. The phrase serves to identify a specific issue or challenge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delay in progress" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a situation where advancement is hindered. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's more common in formal contexts like news and scientific publications. Consider using simpler alternatives like "delay" when appropriate. To ensure clarity, specify what area or aspect is experiencing the delay. Although "delay in progress" is valid, it's advisable to prevent redundant phrases, which is a frequent pitfall. Key sources employing the phrase include The New York Times, BBC, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setback in advancement

Replaces "delay" with "setback", emphasizing a temporary impediment to forward movement.

hold-up in development

Substitutes "delay" with "hold-up", suggesting a temporary obstruction preventing growth or evolution.

stalling of momentum

Replaces the entire phrase with a focus on the loss of impetus or driving force.

interruption of advancement

Highlights the unexpected halt or disruption in the process of moving forward.

hindrance to forward movement

Emphasizes the obstruction or impediment to progress.

slowdown in progression

Focuses on the deceleration of the rate at which something is developing or advancing.

retardation of growth

Highlights the impedance or slowing down of the expansion or development.

impediment to advancement

Emphasizes an obstacle that prevents forward movement or improvement.

disruption of the timeline

Focuses on the disturbance or interference with the scheduled progression.

suspension of advancement

Highlights the temporary cessation of forward movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "delay in progress" to describe a situation where something is not advancing as planned. For example, "The construction project experienced a significant delay in progress due to the weather conditions."

What are some alternatives to "delay in progress"?

Alternatives include "setback in advancement", "hold-up in development", or "slowdown in progression". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "delay in progress" formal or informal?

"Delay in progress" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in formal writing or speech. Simpler alternatives like "delay" might be preferred in casual conversation.

What causes a "delay in progress"?

A "delay in progress" can be caused by various factors, such as unforeseen circumstances, lack of resources, technical difficulties, or regulatory hurdles. The specific cause depends on the context in which the phrase is used.