expect a slight delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expect a slight delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inform someone that there will be a minor postponement or wait time for something. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we expect a slight delay in the delivery of your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That is more optimistic than the estimates of most analysts, who expect a slight decline.

The New York Times

We would expect a slight variation when the depth of the bottom electrode is changed.

Earth, Planets and Space

Analysts expect a slight uptick to 576,000 in July from 570,000 in June.

Forbes

Consequently, a slight delay in the Vision 2023 energy targets can be expected if no urgent action is taken by the Turkish government.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

After a slight delay on framing the MoRES concept (as a result of the iterative approach) we are expecting the finalization of the main evaluation report at the end of April or May.

Unicef

There was, however, a slight delay.

The New York Times

There was a slight delay.

The New Yorker

"It's a slight delay," he said.

The New York Times

And, after a slight delay, the author finally responds.

The New Yorker

I'm going to have to restart my browser - apologies if there follows a slight delay.

The Guardian - Sport

The major notes stride forward after a slight delay, as the wine descends down the palate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific timeframes when possible. Instead of “expect a slight delay”, say “expect a delay of approximately 10-15 minutes”.

Common error

Avoid using "expect a slight delay" as a way to soften the blow of a potentially longer delay. Be realistic in your estimation to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect a slight delay" functions as a statement of anticipation or prediction. It indicates that a minor postponement is foreseen. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expect a slight delay" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate an anticipated minor postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and be realistic about the potential delay to maintain transparency and credibility. Alternatives such as "anticipate a minor delay" or "foresee a small delay" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. While this phrase is widely accepted, always aim for clarity and specificity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipate a minor delay

Replaces "expect" with "anticipate" and "slight" with "minor", offering a slightly more formal tone.

foresee a small delay

Substitutes "expect" with "foresee" and "slight" with "small", implying a prediction based on current knowledge.

predict a marginal delay

Uses "predict" instead of "expect" and "marginal" in place of "slight", suggesting a more calculated estimation.

envisage a brief delay

Replaces "expect" with "envisage" and "slight" with "brief", adding a touch of formality and visualization.

project a short delay

Uses "project" in place of "expect" and "short" instead of "slight", emphasizing a calculated forecast.

there may be a small delay

This expresses the possibility of a delay more directly, rather than an expectation.

a minor delay is anticipated

Changes the sentence structure to passive voice, emphasizing the delay rather than the expectation.

a slight holdup is foreseen

Replaces "delay" with "holdup" and "expect" with "foreseen" altering the formality and specific context.

we are anticipating a bit of a delay

Informal alternative using "a bit of a delay" to soften the statement.

a small setback is expected

Uses "setback" instead of "delay", framing the situation as a minor impediment.

FAQs

How can I use "expect a slight delay" in a sentence?

You can use "expect a slight delay" to inform someone that there will be a minor postponement or wait time for something. For instance, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we "expect a slight delay" in the delivery of your order."

What can I say instead of "expect a slight delay"?

You can use alternatives like "anticipate a minor delay", "foresee a small delay", or "predict a marginal delay" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "expect a slight delay" or "expect slight delay"?

"Expect a slight delay" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is necessary before "slight" because "slight delay" is a countable noun phrase.

Is "expect a slight delay" formal or informal?

"Expect a slight delay" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the audience, a more formal alternative like "anticipate a minor delay" might be preferable in professional settings.