delay tactics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay tactics" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to strategies or methods employed to postpone or hinder progress. For example, "The negotiations were stalled by various delay tactics from the opposing party." Alternative expressions include "stalling strategies" and "postponement methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's delay tactics.

The New York Times

This is pure delay tactics.

The Washington Post

Bushnell accused Susan Williams of "delay tactics".

The Guardian - Film

Republicans used delay tactics to block a vote.

The New York Times

At bedtime he accumulated marks if he pulled delay tactics.

The New York Times

The states characterized the motion as yet another of Microsoft's delay tactics.

Harvard University

The Government's dubious and wasteful delay tactics in this case need to end.

Independent

Our delay tactics exhausted, we faced the inevitable: I needed to go to the emergency room.

The New Yorker

A spokeswoman for Senator Hatch, Margarita Tapia, said: "This looks like typical Democrat delay tactics.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Should the senators be inclined to make any changes, they should be sure to retain the provisions curbing pay-for-delay tactics.

The New York Times

"What we are seeing and hearing is a reprisal of their same stall-and-delay tactics," said Allyn Brooks-Laspokesmanpokesman for the Save Darfur Coalition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternative phrases like "obstructive measures" or "dilatory procedures" for a more nuanced description.

Common error

While "delay tactics" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in informal conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stalling" or "procrastinating" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay tactics" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the strategies or methods used to postpone or impede progress. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase commonly appears in news and academic contexts to describe obstructive actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delay tactics" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes strategies employed to postpone or impede progress. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and formal contexts. The phrase serves to describe and often critique obstructive actions, maintaining a neutral register suitable for professional discussions. When using "delay tactics", consider the context and explore alternatives like "stalling maneuvers" or "obstructive measures" for a more nuanced description. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely understood and appropriately used across various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strategic delays

Highlights that the delay is intentional and part of a larger strategy.

tactics of postponement

Highlights the intention to delay an event or decision.

stalling maneuvers

Focuses on the act of impeding progress through strategic actions.

obstructive measures

Highlights actions specifically designed to block or hinder progress.

stalling for time

Emphasizes gaining additional time, often under pressure.

procrastination strategies

Emphasizes the intentional postponement of action.

dilatory procedures

Refers to formal processes designed to cause delay.

impeding actions

General term for actions that slow down or prevent progress.

dragging one's feet

An idiomatic expression indicating unwillingness to proceed.

filibustering efforts

Specifically refers to prolonged speechmaking to delay legislative action.

FAQs

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

You can use "delay tactics" to describe actions taken to postpone or hinder progress, such as, "The company employed several "delay tactics" to avoid paying the debt."

What are some alternatives to "delay tactics"?

Alternatives include "stalling maneuvers", "obstructive measures", or "procrastination strategies" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "delay tactics" and "strategic delays"?

"Strategic delays" specifically highlight that the delay is a calculated part of a larger plan, while "delay tactics" is a more general term for actions that postpone something.

Is it appropriate to use "delay tactics" in formal writing?

Yes, "delay tactics" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider more precise alternatives like "dilatory procedures" or "impeding actions" for a more nuanced description depending on context.