delay the launch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay the launch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to postponing the start of a project, event, or product release. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have to delay the launch of the new software until next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Microsoft's failure to deliver led UPC to delay the launch of its interactive service in Amsterdam.

The Economist

And, if approved, the plan would delay the launch of faster bus routes.

The Guardian

The House approved legislation Tuesday that would terminate the contracts and delay the launch for 18 months.

The New York Times

Yesterday, Nasa forecasters said there was only a 20% chance that poor conditions would delay the launch on Friday.

The Guardian

Yet his firm may be able to do little more than delay the launch of the Equity SIM cards.

The Economist

Officials are investigating whether sellers of expensive branded pills conspired together to delay the launch of cheap generic rivals.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The work could delay the launching at least until next Monday.

The New York Times

The problem threatened to delay the launching of the space shuttle Discovery to Mir on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Without a clear alternative plan, Britain is delaying the launch of negotiations.

Princeton University

On Monday, overcast skies before dawn delayed the launch two hours.

The New York Times - Sports

Shutting down production to debug everything properly might have delayed the launch in Europe or Japan.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delay the launch", clearly state the reason for the delay to maintain transparency and manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses with "delay the launch". For example, instead of saying "We are delay the launch", say "We are delaying the launch" or "We will delay the launch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay the launch" functions as a verb phrase where "delay" is a transitive verb and "the launch" acts as its direct object. It indicates the action of postponing or rescheduling a planned event or product release. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delay the launch" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the postponement of an event or product release. As shown by Ludwig, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "postpone the launch" and "defer the launch" exist, "delay the launch" remains a versatile and frequently used option. Ensure clarity by providing reasons for the delay and avoid tense errors for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the launch

Replaces "delay" with "postpone", a direct synonym, maintaining the original meaning.

defer the launch

Substitutes "delay" with "defer", offering a slightly more formal synonym.

reschedule the launch

Focuses on the act of changing the scheduled time, rather than just delaying it.

put off the launch

Uses the phrasal verb "put off" which is a more informal synonym for delay.

hold off the launch

Suggests a temporary suspension of the launch, implying a possible future resumption.

suspend the launch

Implies a more formal and potentially indefinite pause in the launch plans.

push back the launch

Uses the phrasal verb "push back", indicating a shift to a later date.

adjourn the launch

Borrowing from legislative context, suggesting temporary suspension.

table the launch

Uses the idiom "table", which means to postpone something indefinitely.

stall the launch

Emphasizes causing a delay, often due to obstruction or resistance.

FAQs

What does "delay the launch" mean?

To "delay the launch" means to postpone or reschedule the start or introduction of something, such as a product, project, or event.

What can I say instead of "delay the launch"?

You can use alternatives like "postpone the launch", "defer the launch", or "reschedule the launch" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "delay the launch" or "delay launching"?

Both "delay the launch" and "delay launching" can be grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Delay the launch" refers to postponing the event itself, while "delay launching" emphasizes postponing the act of launching. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What are common reasons to "delay the launch" of a product?

Common reasons include unexpected technical issues, supply chain disruptions, marketing considerations, or the need for additional testing and refinement.