delayed for a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delayed for a long time" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe a situation where something has been delayed for an extended period of time. For example, "The flight was delayed for a long time due to bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Publication of his books was delayed for a long time.

The New York Times

But if those who make policy refuse to acknowledge the problem, major change could be delayed for a long time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We want an active and qualified government to provide services to our people that we delayed for a long time," he said.

The New York Times

Bulldozer was supposed to be the platform that finally brought them up to speed, but it's been delayed for a long time, and now it's launching to less than stellar reviews.

TechCrunch

This replacement was to be delayed for a long time due to the transfer of all coastal lights to the Commonwealth, occurring officially October 1913, though practically in July 1915.

Wikipedia

Our recent work with chronic E2 pretreatment in middle-aged female rats showed that histological neuroprotection following global ischemia was maintained even when E2 treatment was delayed for a long time (8 weeks) after OVX [24], [25].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"They have been delaying this for a long time so they could appoint a weak minister so they can control him," Mr. Sliman said, referring to Mr. Dulaimi, who was minister of defense under a previous Shiite-led government.

The New York Times

It's just a way to delay it for a long time," he told reporters following the markup.

Huffington Post

Typically, Lenz has delayed the release for a long time "because it takes gewürztraminer two or three years to wake up in the bottle," Mr. Fry said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Pledging delays intercourse for a long time.

The New York Times

"It could stay for a long time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delayed for a long time", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and the implications of the delay. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Do not use "delayed for a long time" without specifying the cause of the delay if it is relevant. Providing context strengthens the sentence and prevents reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delayed for a long time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the duration of the delay. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delayed for a long time" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates something has been postponed for a considerable period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As shown in the examples, it appears in diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. To ensure clarity, specifying the cause of the delay can significantly improve the sentence's impact. While alternatives such as "protracted delay" or "postponed indefinitely" exist, "delayed for a long time" maintains a balance of neutrality and informality suitable for various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delayed for an extensive duration

This alternative explicitly states the considerable amount of time involved in the delay.

put off for an extended time

This alternative suggests that something was intentionally postponed for a long duration.

deferred considerably

This alternative conveys that the action was postponed to a significant extent.

long-term postponement

This alternative highlights the extended duration of the postponement.

protracted delay

This alternative emphasizes the length and drawn-out nature of the delay.

stalled for the foreseeable future

This alternative implies the delay will last as long as one can see into the future, emphasizing its indefinite nature.

postponed indefinitely

This alternative suggests a delay without a specific end date, emphasizing the uncertainty of resumption.

lingering suspension

This alternative implies that something has been halted for a considerable time and remains unresolved.

extended period of latency

This alternative uses more formal language to describe a prolonged waiting period.

held up for ages

This alternative uses informal language to express a substantial delay.

FAQs

What does "delayed for a long time" mean?

The phrase "delayed for a long time" means that something has been postponed or held back for an extended duration.

How can I use "delayed for a long time" in a sentence?

You can use "delayed for a long time" to describe anything that has been postponed, for example: "The project was "delayed for a long time" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "delayed for a long time"?

Some alternatives include "postponed indefinitely", "protracted delay", or "long-term postponement".

Is it better to say "delayed for a long time" or "delayed indefinitely"?

The choice depends on the context. "Delayed for a long time" implies a significant but potentially finite delay, while "delayed indefinitely" suggests the delay might not have a foreseeable end.