delay to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delay to" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct phrase would be "delay in" or "delay of" when referring to postponing an event or action. Example: "There was a delay in the delivery of the package due to bad weather."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The delay to Chilcot report is a scandal.

The Guardian

That seeming agnosticism apparently drove Mr. DeLay to distraction.

The New York Times

And he pushed DeLay to investigate lobbying corruption.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nielsen attributed the ratings delay to unspecified "server issues".

The New York Times

This could mean further delay to the work.

The Guardian

We are sorry for the delay to our customers' journeys".

The Guardian

The IEC's chairman ascribed the Ghazni delay to "technical problems".

The Economist

Officials have not explained the delay to him.

The New York Times

Mr. Wright attributed the delay to Dr. Afridi's case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

To delay is to disrespect.

The New Yorker

There will be delays to our services.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "delay to" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "delay in" or "delay of" for clarity and precision.

Common error

A common mistake is using "to" instead of "in" or "of" after "delay". Remember that "delay" typically requires "in" or "of" to connect it to the affected object or event. For instance, say "delay in the project" not "delay to the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delay to" functions as a prepositional phrase, where "delay" acts as a noun and "to" is a preposition. However, it's important to note that, according to Ludwig, this construction is generally incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "delay to" is generally considered incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig's analysis confirms that more appropriate and grammatically sound alternatives, such as "delay in" or "delay of", should be used instead. While the intention is usually to express a postponement or obstruction, this particular phrase is not the conventional way to convey that meaning. It's crucial to prioritize accurate grammar and usage, especially in formal contexts, ensuring clarity and credibility in your writing. Given the feedback from Ludwig, avoiding "delay to" is a best practice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay in

Replaces "to" with "in", providing a grammatically correct preposition.

delay of

Replaces "to" with "of", providing a grammatically correct alternative, often used to describe the nature or cause of the delay.

postponement of

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more formal noun phrase indicating the act of delaying something.

hold on

Offers a simpler, more informal way to express a temporary stop or delay.

setback for

Highlights the negative impact of the delay on a plan or project.

slowdown in

Focuses on the reduced pace or progress as a result of the delay.

reschedule for

Emphasizes the act of moving an event or activity to a later time.

deferral of

Indicates a more formal or official postponement.

moratorium on

Suggests a temporary prohibition or suspension of an activity.

interruption in

Focuses on the disruption caused by the delay.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "delay" with a preposition?

The correct prepositions to use with "delay" are "in" or "of", not "to". For example, you should say "delay in the process" or "delay of game", not "delay to the process".

Can I use "delay to" in any context?

In standard English, "delay to" is generally considered incorrect. It's best to use alternatives like "delay in" or "postponement of" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "delay to"?

Instead of "delay to", consider using phrases like "delay in", "hold on", or "setback for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "delay to the meeting" or "delay in the meeting"?

The correct phrase is "delay in the meeting". The phrase "delay to the meeting" is grammatically incorrect.