face a delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face a delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where something is postponed or takes longer than expected. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we may face a delay in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

You could also face a delay in the start of coverage, leaving you with a health insurance gap.

The Washington Post

The president won't give up on that idea, but the planning will now face a delay at least.

The Washington Post

And if a bank fails, there is a greater chance you could face a delay in getting to your money.

The New York Times

The House of Lords authorities may face a delay of up to a year before they can use new powers to suspend or expel Sewel.

The Guardian

Figures show 70% of patients wait more than three months for a wheelchair, while 30% face a delay of more than six months.

The Guardian

The implication, Mr. Johnston testified, was that he had best contribute or face a delay in the signing of the tax-extension bill, which had by then passed the legislature.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Starting this season, teams will have 90 seconds after introductions to report for tip-off, or face a delay-of-game warning.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, a crackdown on small-business self insurance in California faces a delay.

The New York Times

But as with many of the authority's major projects, the show is now facing a delay.

The New York Times

Martin Wragg was finally awarded around €1,700 £1,4000) this month after his family faced a delay of three hours and 20 minutes on their return from San Javier, Spain, in October 2012.

The Guardian - Money

Ms. Mayhew intended to get Medicaid first thing this year, but faced a delay when the online enrollment system could not confirm her Social Security number.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "face a delay", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and the reason for the delay to provide a complete understanding for the reader.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "face a delay" with "cause a delay". "Face a delay" means something is happening to you/your project and you are experiencing the consequences of a delay, while "cause a delay" means you/your project are the source/reason for that delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face a delay" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject is likely to encounter or experience a postponement or setback. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face a delay" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations where something is being postponed or experiencing setbacks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While alternatives such as "encounter a setback" or "experience a postponement" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to clearly indicate what is being delayed and the reason behind it when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter a setback

This suggests a temporary obstacle that causes a delay.

experience a postponement

This emphasizes the act of delaying something to a later time.

be subject to a hold-up

This implies an unexpected interruption causing the delay.

undergo a deferral

This is a more formal way of saying something is delayed.

meet with impedance

This suggests resistance or obstruction causing the delay.

confront a slowing

This indicates a reduction in speed or progress, resulting in a delay.

bear a moratorium

This is a formal suspension or prohibition, resulting in a delay.

run into a standstill

This suggests a complete halt, leading to a significant delay.

be up against a hindrance

This emphasizes an obstacle that impedes progress, causing a delay.

come across an impediment

Similar to hindrance, this suggests an obstacle that causes a delay.

FAQs

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

You can use "face a delay" to indicate that something is being postponed or experiencing delays. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project may "face a delay"."

What are some alternatives to "face a delay"?

Alternatives include "encounter a setback", "experience a postponement", or "be subject to a hold-up". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "face a delay" or "experience a delay"?

Both "face a delay" and "experience a delay" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Face a delay" might imply a more direct confrontation with the difficulty, while "experience a delay" is a more neutral observation. Use the one that fits the tone and context of your writing best.

What's the difference between "face a delay" and "cause a delay"?

"Face a delay" means to be affected by a delay, while "cause a delay" means to be the reason for a delay. For example, "The shipment faced a delay due to bad weather", versus "The strike caused a delay in production".