delayed train

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delayed train" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a train that is running behind schedule. An example is: "The delayed train arrived an hour late." Alternative expressions include "late train" and "postponed train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Eleanor's nursing home has that "waiting-room atmosphere in which death was the delayed train".

The New Yorker

She famously penned tales of the boy wizard during a delayed train journey between Manchester and London King's Cross.

The Guardian

It all started when I was glancing idly at a Southern Railway performance poster while waiting for a delayed train.

The Guardian - Money

It should be interesting to see commuters' reactions to these bleak ruminations, while they chew on a stale croissant and curse the odd delayed train.

The Guardian - Arts

If you've been on a delayed train recently, the chances are you've been pretty generous to the train company that messed you around.

Independent

A gimmick like that in the West Fourth Street subway station or the Amtrak concourse in Penn Station could make waiting for that endlessly delayed train downright fun.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's amazing how few people claim for delayed trains.

The Guardian - Money

The cold delayed trains in New York and Massachusetts, said Dan Stessel, a spokesman for Amtrak.

The New York Times

A blown fuse in north London delayed trains for over an hour.

The Economist

With standstill traffic, crowded airports and delayed trains, traveling home for Thanksgiving can be stressful and panic-inducing.

The Guardian - Film

Travelling through England on delayed trains this week, I look out on our new era in the history of rain.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on transportation issues, use "delayed train" to clearly and concisely convey that a train is not running on schedule. This term is readily understood by a wide audience.

Common error

Avoid attributing blame without factual basis. Simply stating "delayed train" is neutral; adding speculation about the cause (e.g., "delayed train due to incompetence") requires evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delayed train" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "delayed" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "train". Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in describing a train that is behind schedule. This is consistent with Ludwig AI overall analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delayed train" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a train running behind schedule. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, especially in news and media, science and less common also in wikis. Its function is primarily to inform, and its register is generally neutral. When using this phrase, ensure factual accuracy when attributing the cause of the delay. Alternatives like "late running train" or "behind schedule train" can be employed for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

late running train

Replaces the adjective "delayed" with "late running", slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

tardy train

Substitutes "delayed" with "tardy", offering a more formal synonym that still indicates the train is behind schedule.

behind schedule train

Replaces "delayed" with the phrase "behind schedule", providing a more descriptive alternative.

train running late

Inverts the structure to emphasize the action of the train running behind, rather than the state of being delayed.

off schedule train

Uses "off schedule" to indicate the train is not adhering to its planned timetable.

train behind time

Uses "behind time" which is similar to "behind schedule", indicating the train is not on time.

untimely train

Replaces "delayed" with "untimely", focusing on the inconvenience of the delay.

stalled train

Suggests the train is not only delayed but also possibly stopped or immobile.

postponed train

While "postponed" often implies a more significant delay, it can be used if the train's departure or arrival has been pushed back considerably.

train subject to delays

Emphasizes the condition of the train being prone to delays, rather than focusing on a specific instance.

FAQs

How can I use "delayed train" in a sentence?

You can use "delayed train" to describe a train that is running behind schedule, such as: "The "delayed train" caused many passengers to miss their connecting services."

What are some alternatives to "delayed train"?

Alternatives include "late running train", "tardy train", or "behind schedule train", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a train was delayed" instead of "delayed train"?

Yes, both are correct. "A train was delayed" is a complete sentence using the verb 'delayed', while "delayed train" uses 'delayed' as an adjective to describe the train. The choice depends on the sentence structure you prefer.

What information should I include when reporting a "delayed train"?

Include the train number, the expected delay time, the reason for the delay (if known), and any alternative transportation options available.