Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
entail a delay
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"entail a delay" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means that something will cause a delay or lead to a delay. You can use it when talking about any situation or action that will result in a delay. For example: - The unexpected repairs will entail a delay in the delivery of our order. - We can't start the project yet as it entails a delay in procuring the necessary materials. - Changing the design at this point would entail a delay in the production process. - The new security measures will entail a delay in boarding the flight. - The complex verification process entails a delay in the approval of the loan.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
"Without prejudging the outcome of mechanistic studies being written up for publication," he wrote, "it is entirely possible that granting your request could entail a delay of unknown duration with no public discussion or review of the strong new studies that are now available".
News & Media
While the communication links between the ISS and Mission Control operate in near real time, allowing step-by-step guidance of the onboard operator, a Mars mission would entail a delay of minutes, which would render remote guidance impossible and therefore require the necessary knowledge banks and guidance tools to be placed on the vehicle ahead of time.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
This entailed a delay to reach the slaughter BW of 1.8±0.43 d per g Lys restriction/kg of diet which was related to worse FCR by 0.034±0.0095 and to an increase of fat thickness at GM muscle of 0.51±0.168 mm.
Science
We address the reviewers' points in two parts: A) Factor 'run' as a continuous variable: Our study design entailed a delay of 24 hours between sessions.
Science
Meanwhile, many maladaptive coping skills that characterize mental illness entail a difficulty delaying gratification.
Wiki
This narrowed time window entails a steepened delay-of-reinforcement gradient.
Channel coding can improve the error correction capability, but entails an additional delay and complex decoding.
The delay of data collection for the FMU participants from 2004 may also entail a risk of bias.
Science
Johnson said such a commission was a "fudgerama" and an excuse for delay, entailing a huge loss of time.
News & Media
This would entail an underestimation of prevalence.
Science
Because it is unlikely that delayed energy transfer will be detrimental for the heart during acute reperfusion, increasing glycolysis during reperfusion seems to entail an overall protective effect against reperfusion damage.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "entail a delay", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is causing the delay. For example, "The additional security checks entail a delay at the airport."
Common error
While "entail a delay" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "cause a delay" or "lead to a delay" in informal settings.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "entail a delay" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something will cause a postponement. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Encyclopedias
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "entail a delay" is a grammatically sound expression signifying that something will cause a postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While correct, it tends to be relatively rare, appearing primarily in news and scientific contexts. Simpler alternatives like "cause a delay" might be preferable in more casual settings. Remember to use this phrase when you want to indicate that a specific action will inevitably lead to a delay, and consider your audience to determine the appropriate level of formality.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
cause a postponement
Replaces "entail" with "cause" and "delay" with "postponement", focusing on the causal aspect.
result in a delay
Uses "result in" to show consequence instead of entailment.
lead to a delay
Similar to "result in a delay", but emphasizes direction.
involve a postponement
Shifts focus to the involvement of a postponement.
necessitate a delay
Replaces "entail" with "necessitate", indicating requirement.
bring about a delay
Emphasizes the action of causing the delay.
give rise to a delay
Focuses on the origination of the delay.
impose a delay
Highlights the imposition of the delay.
create a hold-up
Replaces "delay" with the more informal "hold-up".
precipitate a slowdown
Emphasizes the sudden occurrence of a slower pace.
FAQs
What does "entail a delay" mean?
The phrase "entail a delay" means that something will cause or involve a postponement or holdup.
How can I use "entail a delay" in a sentence?
You can use "entail a delay" to indicate that a specific action or situation will result in a delay. For instance, "Implementing these new procedures will "result in a delay" in processing times."
What are some alternatives to "entail a delay"?
Alternatives include "cause a delay", "lead to a delay", or "involve a delay". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it appropriate to use "entail a delay" in informal communication?
While grammatically correct, "entail a delay" may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "cause a delay" are often more suitable for informal settings.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested