delay the work

USAGE SUMMARY

"delay the work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to postpone or put off completing a task or project. You can use it in any context where there is a planned or expected task or project that is being delayed. For example: 1. "The project manager decided to delay the work until next week due to budget constraints." 2. "I'm sorry for the delay in completing the report. We encountered some technical difficulties that slowed down the work." 3. "We cannot afford to delay the work any further. The client's deadline is approaching and we need to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mechanical problems or bad weather could also delay the work.

The New York Times

City officials had been concerned that the storm might delay the work.

The New York Times

US officials have told the OPCW the process would normally take a month, but they are allowing 45-60 days in case choppy seas delay the work.

The Guardian

The issue threatened to delay the work beyond the Aug. 28 anniversary, possibly for months, and add thousands of dollars to repair costs.

The New York Times

But the need to gather all the photos, drawings, historical and architectural references and testimony from interested neighborhood associations can increase costs significantly and delay the work until approval is given.

The New York Times

The LTDA is applying for a judicial review of the consultation process, which opponents fear could delay the work and which has prompted a furious reaction among some cyclists.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It certainly delayed the work's composition, leaving him "absolutely stupefied".

The Guardian - Music

To make matters worse, the difficulty in finding labor delayed the work, which now will not be completed until the spring.

The New York Times

The telegram apparently suggested that Tuthill was interfering with the contractors and delaying the work, a charge that the architect emphatically denied.

The New York Times

But all the software it had stolen for years was suddenly suspect, which stopped or delayed the work of thousands of worried Russian technicians and scientists.

The New York Times

Yellow fever outbreaks, rough seas and corrupt or indecisive American and Mexican officials kept delaying the work and increasing the cost.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delay the work", consider the reason for the delay. Providing a brief explanation after using the phrase can improve clarity and prevent misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "delay the work" in a way that obscures who or what is causing the delay. Use active voice to make the responsible party clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay the work" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "delay" is the main verb and "the work" is the direct object. It describes the action of postponing or hindering the progress of a task or project. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delay the work" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable phrase that signifies the postponement or hindrance of a task or project. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, possessing a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While not exceptionally common, it is a clear and effective way to communicate that progress has been impeded. Consider the context and potential causes of the delay when using the phrase to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the task

This alternative focuses on the act of delaying a specific task rather than the general concept of "work".

defer the project

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "defer", and the noun "project", implying a larger undertaking.

put off the job

This is a more informal way of saying "delay the work", using the phrasal verb "put off" and the word "job".

hold up the progress

This phrase emphasizes the obstruction of progress rather than simply delaying the work.

slow down the process

This alternative highlights a reduction in speed rather than a complete halt or postponement.

stall the effort

Implies intentionally delaying or obstructing the work, possibly for strategic reasons.

suspend operations

This suggests a temporary cessation of work, often in a more formal or official context.

interrupt the workflow

Focuses on disrupting the smooth flow of work rather than just delaying it.

table the initiative

A more formal and bureaucratic term, often used in meetings to postpone discussion or action on an initiative.

procrastinate on the assignment

This focuses on the act of delaying work due to personal reasons or a lack of motivation.

FAQs

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

You can use "delay the work" to describe situations where progress on a task is being postponed. For instance, "Unexpected weather conditions may "delay the work" on the construction site".

What are some alternatives to "delay the work"?

Alternatives include "postpone the task", "defer the project", or "hold up the progress", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "delay the work" or "delay the start of work"?

"Delay the work" is generally more concise and suitable when the context makes it clear that the entire work process is being postponed. If you specifically mean postponing the initial commencement, then "delay the start of work" is more precise.

What causes might typically "delay the work"?

Various factors can "delay the work", such as unforeseen technical issues, budget constraints, lack of resources, or external factors like weather or regulatory hurdles.