it was being delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was being delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is currently experiencing a delay in progress or completion. Example: "The delivery of the package was supposed to arrive yesterday, but it was being delayed due to bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We were told that it was being delayed for three months due to technical reasons and it will not now happen until November," said a source.

The Guardian

Stranded passengers said they had cleared immigration and were preparing to board Air France flight 385 when they were told at the last minute that it was being delayed so that the Airbus A340-300 aircould could be checked.

The Guardian

Gisela Stuart, a Labour MP and chair of the Vote Leave campaign, called for the government to speed up the publication of a report on the impact of migration on school places, after allegations it was being delayed until after the referendum.

The Guardian

Stranded passengers said they had cleared immigration Saturday evening and were preparing to board Air France flight 385 when they were told at the last minute that it was being delayed so that the Airbus A340-300 aircould could be checked.

Independent

Perhaps that is in response to rumors that it was being delayed into next year.

TechCrunch

Not so, says Peter Harris: "The ultimate result was true and fair". It was being delayed only to ensure that an accurate vote count took place and Nelson Mandela's party could be declared the undisputed winners of the election.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Bold is one of them even though it's being delayed, again.

TechCrunch

The only thing that surprises me about this holographic storage medium being delayed is that it's being delayed till 2009 and not 2029.

TechCrunch

Even though it's being delayed indefinitely until Spring, Ubisoft has gone ahead and announced that FC2 will be coming soon for the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms.

TechCrunch

We're not too concerned about the specifics of Parker's situation, but this may be a sign that the upcoming product isn't what it could have been, or that it is being delayed.

TechCrunch

I'd be more inclined to believe such a statement, but it's being delayed until the spring of '09, which leads me to believe that it's nowhere near ready for primetime.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was being delayed", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader. For example, "The project's launch date was set for July, but it was being delayed due to unforeseen technical challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "it was being delayed by itself without indicating a reason. This can leave the reader wondering about the cause of the delay. Always provide context or a reason for the delay if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was being delayed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes an action (delaying) that is being performed on the subject ("it"), rather than by the subject. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and generally used to describe a temporary postponement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was being delayed" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe a temporary postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in English writing. Though not exceedingly common, it frequently appears in News & Media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the context specifies what "it" refers to and, when possible, explains the cause of the delay. Alternatives such as "it was postponed" or "it was held up" can be employed to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was getting pushed back

Focuses on the action of delaying, emphasizing the repeated nature of the postponement.

it was held up

A more casual way of saying delayed, often used for shorter or less formal situations.

it was being put off

Highlights the action of postponing something.

it was undergoing postponement

More formal, highlights the process of delaying rather than the state of being delayed.

it was rescheduled for later

Focuses on the act of changing the timing to a later date.

it was facing deferment

Emphasizes the act of putting off to a later time, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

it experienced a setback

Shifts focus to the negative impact of the delay, implying a hindrance or obstacle.

it encountered impediments

Highlights the barriers causing the delay, rather than the delay itself.

it met with obstacles

Similar to "it encountered impediments", this emphasizes the challenges causing the delay.

it was temporarily suspended

Suggests a pause in progress, implying a potential resumption at a later time.

FAQs

What does "it was being delayed" mean?

The phrase "it was being delayed" signifies that something's progress or scheduled occurrence faced a temporary hold, not necessarily permanent. It suggests circumstances hindered its timely execution.

How to use "it was being delayed" in a sentence?

To use "it was being delayed" effectively, clearly identify what "it" refers to and, if possible, specify the cause of the delay. For instance, "The flight was being delayed due to inclement weather conditions."

What can I say instead of "it was being delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "it was postponed", "it was held up", or "it was rescheduled depending on the context.

What's the difference between "it was delayed" and "it was being delayed"?

"It was delayed" implies a completed action of delaying, while "it was being delayed" suggests that the delaying action was ongoing at a particular time. The latter emphasizes the process of postponement.