have a slight delay

USAGE SUMMARY

'have a slight delay' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is happening a bit later than expected or that it is taking a bit longer than normal. For example: "The train will have a slight delay, so we'll get to the station a few minutes later than planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

Forbes

WikiHow

The New York Times

TechCrunch

Independent

BBC

The Guardian - Film

Huffington Post

The Guardian - Sport

Los Angeles Times

Plosone

eLife

Archives of Women's Mental Health

BMC Cancer

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These punches have a slight delay in execution, but they cause more damage to the opponent.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Like all digital point-and-shoots, the shutter release has a slight delay, so I've learned to tell my two boys to smile after the button is all the way down.

Forbes

Search the internet, the official Health Lottery website has a slight delay in publishing the results however you can sort results by time by using Google's advanced search Download the app if you have a smartphone, there are perhaps 5/6 different apps out there available to be downloaded.

WikiHow

A spokesman for Albatros said there had been a slight delay in the Czech translation because the translator has been ill.

The New York Times

The original estimated shipping schedule for sending the kits was July 2014 so Alex concedes there has been a slight delay in fulfilling orders.

TechCrunch

Let me have a slight advantage.

Independent

"Maybe I have a slight advantage there".

Independent

We might have a slight snack.

The New Yorker

I have a slight fear of flying.

The Guardian - Film

"Actually they do have a slight aroma.

The New York Times

"We have a slight advantage.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a slight delay", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed. For instance, specify "The project will have a slight delay" instead of just "There will have a slight delay."

Common error

Avoid using "have a slight delay" when the delay is significant. Using "slight" implies a minor inconvenience, so choose a more appropriate term like "substantial delay" or "significant setback" if the delay is considerable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a slight delay" primarily functions as a verbal phrase expressing a temporary postponement or setback. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a slight delay" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a minor postponement or setback. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, wiki, and science. While versatile, ensure its tone aligns with your writing and consider stronger alternatives for significant delays. Remember to specify what exactly is experiencing the delay for maximum clarity. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "have a slight delay" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a minor setback

Replaces "delay" with "setback" and uses "minor" instead of "slight", focusing on the negative aspect of the delay.

encounter a brief holdup

Substitutes "delay" with "holdup" and "slight" with "brief", suggesting a temporary obstruction.

face a small interruption

Replaces "delay" with "interruption" and "slight" with "small", emphasizing the disruption caused.

be subject to a marginal slowdown

Changes "delay" to "slowdown" and "slight" to "marginal", highlighting the reduced pace.

incur a short postponement

Substitutes "delay" with "postponement" and "slight" with "short", indicating a brief rescheduling.

undergo a temporary suspension

Replaces "delay" with "suspension" and "slight" with "temporary", suggesting a brief cessation.

be affected by a minimal lag

Changes "delay" to "lag" and "slight" to "minimal", focusing on the time difference.

meet with a trivial impediment

Substitutes "delay" with "impediment" and "slight" with "trivial", indicating a minor obstacle.

suffer a fleeting setback

Replaces "delay" with "setback" and "slight" with "fleeting", emphasizing the brief nature of the delay.

experience a momentary hiccup

Substitutes "delay" with "hiccup" and "slight" with "momentary", suggesting a brief and unexpected problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a slight delay" to indicate a minor postponement or setback. For example, "The train will "have a slight delay" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to saying "have a slight delay"?

Alternatives include "experience a minor setback", "encounter a brief holdup", or "face a small interruption". These phrases convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "have a slight delay" in formal writing?

Yes, "have a slight delay" is suitable for formal writing, but it's important to ensure the tone matches the context. In some cases, more formal alternatives like "incur a short postponement" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "have a slight delay" and "have a significant delay"?

"Have a slight delay" indicates a minor and usually inconsequential delay, while "have a significant delay" suggests a more substantial and potentially problematic delay. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the extent of the delay.