encountering delays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encountering delays" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where progress is hindered or slowed down, often in contexts like project management, travel, or logistics. Example: "We are currently encountering delays in the shipment of materials due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This led to high volumes of calls to our customer services team, which resulted in customers encountering delays.

The Guardian - Money

Nicaragua's canal is also encountering delays The number of hydropower projects in Latin America involving Chinese firms: 22Colombia's displaced farmersHomicide rates in Central America.

The Economist

L.I.R.R. suspended service on its Oyster Bay branch, and other trains were encountering delays of up to 20 minutes Sunday evening.

The New York Times

When you take off and land, you double your chances of encountering delays due to weather or air traffic control.

BBC

Analysts have counted 12 handsets thus far, indicating that a flood of Motorola phones will hit stores within the next month or that the company is encountering delays.

Forbes

An access indicator was constructed by counting the positive responses of women to four questions on encountering delays at a military checkpoint, complete closure of a military checkpoint, restricted mobility due to the Separation Wall, or difficulty due to curfew and closure.

Health Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That means almost half of the survey respondents stated their intention to divert while encountering delay on their original urban expressway route.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Still, some passengers encountered delays.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, customers may encounter delays and obstacles.

The New York Times

Alta has encountered delays to its programs in other cities.

The New York Times

Since last year, science and engineering researchers from abroad seeking to obtain or renew visas have routinely encountered delays of months.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on project timelines, use "encountering delays" to acknowledge unexpected setbacks without assigning blame. This neutral phrasing maintains professionalism.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily using passive voice with "encountering delays". Instead of saying "Delays were encountered", opt for the more direct "We are encountering delays" to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encountering delays" functions as a gerund phrase, typically used as a noun to describe the experience of facing slowdowns or setbacks. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing problems in project management, travel, and logistics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encountering delays" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing situations where progress is slowed down. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media and science, and carries a neutral tone. While not the most frequent phrase, it effectively communicates setbacks without assigning blame. Consider alternatives like "facing delays" or "experiencing delays" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing delays

This alternative is more direct and commonly used to describe ongoing delays.

experiencing delays

This alternative is similar in meaning but emphasizes the act of undergoing the delays.

suffering delays

This alternative suggests a more negative impact from the delays.

running into delays

This alternative implies unexpected or unforeseen delays.

meeting with delays

This alternative is a more formal way to express facing delays.

hindered by delays

This alternative focuses on the obstruction caused by the delays.

delayed due to

This alternative uses a passive construction to indicate the cause of the delay.

slowed down by delays

This alternative emphasizes the reduction in speed caused by the delays.

postponed due to delays

This alternative specifies that something has been rescheduled because of the delays.

stalled by delays

This alternative indicates that progress has come to a standstill due to the delays.

FAQs

How can I use "encountering delays" in a sentence?

You can use "encountering delays" to describe situations where progress is being slowed down. For example: "The project is "encountering delays" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's a more formal way to say "encountering delays"?

A more formal alternative to "encountering delays" is "meeting with delays". This phrase is suitable for professional reports and presentations.

Are "facing delays" and "encountering delays" interchangeable?

Yes, "facing delays" and "encountering delays" are largely interchangeable and can be used in similar contexts. However, "encountering delays" might imply a more unexpected or surprising situation.

What are common causes for "encountering delays" in projects?

Projects commonly "encounter delays" due to factors such as resource constraints, unforeseen technical difficulties, and changes in project scope.