delay the process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay the process" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which something is intentionally taking longer than it should. For example, "The company's decision to delay the process was met with frustration by everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But by swimming, you can delay the process.

The New York Times - Sports

Her amendment would of course necessarily delay the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Natural selection breeds resistance; such tactics only delay the process.

The New Yorker

But Democrats worry that the challenges will inevitably delay the process and frustrate the voters.

The New York Times

They will delay the process, but I think he will get a vote and be confirmed.

The New Yorker

Three other proposals, including one to delay the process further, were voted down.

The New York Times

He suspected the police would humiliate his daughter and then delay the process endlessly.

The New Yorker

"There is no intent to delay the process," the official said.

The Guardian

Even if the differences are ultimately resolved, Mr. Volpe's objections threaten to delay the process.

The New York Times - Arts

A longer inquiry would delay the process by up to five months.

The Guardian - Business

33 Often they worked to hinder and delay the process of procurement.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of your writing. While the phrase is widely understood, it is best used when referring to established or formal procedures, as this is where the concept of "delay" is most meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "delay the process" in very informal conversations or when simpler language will suffice. Phrases like "hold up" or "slow down" are often more appropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay the process" functions as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates an action that postpones or slows down a particular activity or procedure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delay the process" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of postponing or slowing down a procedure or activity. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically sound and commonly encountered in diverse contexts, especially news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "postpone the procedure" or "stall the progression" offer nuanced variations, "delay the process" remains a reliable and widely understood choice. When using it, ensure the context aligns with its neutral to slightly formal tone, and consider specifying the reasons behind the delay for added clarity. Avoid overuse in casual conversations where simpler language may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the procedure

Focuses specifically on postponing a formal or established procedure.

stall the progression

Implies actively hindering the forward movement or development.

slow down the advancement

Emphasizes reducing the speed of advancement or progress.

hold up the operation

Suggests causing a temporary stop or obstruction to an ongoing operation.

suspend the activity

Focuses on a temporary cessation of an activity or process.

defer the action

Suggests intentionally postponing a specific action to a later time.

protract the undertaking

Implies extending the duration of a project or task, often unnecessarily.

hinder the development

Focuses on impeding the growth or development of something.

impede the progress

Emphasizes obstructing or slowing down the forward movement towards a goal.

put off the implementation

Specifically refers to delaying the start or execution of a plan or system.

FAQs

How can I use "delay the process" in a sentence?

You can use "delay the process" to describe situations where something is postponed or slowed down, such as "The legal challenges could "delay the process" of implementing the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "delay the process"?

Alternatives include phrases like "postpone the procedure", "stall the progression", or "slow down the advancement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "delay the process" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "delay the process" when referring to the act of postponing or slowing down established or formal procedures. This phrase is commonly used in contexts related to legal matters, business operations, and scientific research.

Is "delay the process" formal or informal?

"Delay the process" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. Simpler language may be more appropriate for very informal conversations, but the phrase is suitable for use in professional and academic writing.