extensive delay

USAGE SUMMARY

'extensive delay' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where something is taking much longer than expected to happen. For example: "The project has been subjected to an extensive delay due to the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The committee's report lambasts the project's "extensive delay", not to mention "the waste of a yet to be determined amount of public money".

The Guardian - Tech

Such an extensive delay is rare in the Alexandria courthouse, which is known as the "rocket docket" because of the insistence of its judges that cases be brought to trial quickly.

The New York Times

The session was subject to an extensive delay because of problems with the weather and the medical helicopter.

BBC

Committee chairman Margaret Hodge said: "The failure to develop a comprehensive plan has led to extensive delay and the waste of a yet to be determined amount of public money.

BBC

It will also provide lodging if I'm delayed more than four hours overnight, and food and drink vouchers "in the event of an extensive delay".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The operation caused extensive delays on many flights.

The New York Times

"Customers often never know that they have avoided extensive delays".

The New York Times

Extensive delays can cost each ship as much as $10,000 to $12,000 per day on each leg.

The New York Times

Those reports have brought whole subway lines to a halt during the rush hours, causing extensive delays.

The New York Times

Motorists were urged to find alternative routes with extensive delays on all approaches to the busy arterial road.

The Guardian

What's more, extensive delays can erode any case, as memories falter and witnesses disappear or die.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about time-sensitive projects or events, use "extensive delay" to clearly communicate a significant setback in scheduling.

Common error

Refrain from using "extensive delay" if the delay is minor; reserve it for situations where the delay has a substantial impact or duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive delay" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "delay". It describes a situation where something is significantly postponed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extensive delay" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that refers to a significant postponement. As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates that something is taking much longer than expected. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with considerable usage in science. To ensure clarity and accuracy, reserve "extensive delay" for delays that have a substantial impact. Alternatives like "prolonged postponement" or "significant lag" may be more suitable in specific situations. While authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, remember to avoid overstating the severity of the delay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged postponement

Emphasizes the duration of the delay.

significant lag

Highlights the gap in time before something occurs.

lengthy holdup

Focuses on the obstruction or blockage causing the delay.

protracted interruption

Implies a more formal or disruptive delay.

major setback

Highlights the negative impact of the delay.

considerable deferment

A more formal way to express postponing something.

substantial setback

Highlights the seriousness of the delay's impact.

major slowdown

Focuses on the reduced pace rather than a complete stop.

long interruption

Simple substitution showing the temporal aspect

extended wait

Highlights the waiting period due to the delay.

FAQs

How can I use "extensive delay" in a sentence?

You can use "extensive delay" to describe situations where something is significantly postponed. For example: "The project experienced an "extensive delay" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "extensive delay"?

Alternatives include "prolonged postponement", "significant lag", or "lengthy holdup", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "extensive delay" in formal writing?

Yes, "extensive delay" is suitable for formal writing, especially when detailing project timelines, legal proceedings, or other serious matters.

What's the difference between "extensive delay" and a simple "delay"?

"Extensive delay" implies a significant lengthening of time beyond the expected duration, whereas a simple "delay" might indicate a shorter or less impactful postponement. An "extensive delay" has more serious and far-reaching consequences.