lead to a delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead to a delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations or actions that cause a postponement or hold-up in a process or timeline. Example: "The unexpected weather conditions may lead to a delay in the construction schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Delayed RUC insertion after delivery of the baby can lead to a delay in embolization, which could explain the higher volume of postpartum hemorrhage.

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

The Dutch judge, Alphons Orie, said the mistake would lead to a delay in the trial, which lawyers were already predicting would last four years or more.

The Guardian

HSBC had argued the threat of a break up should lead to a delay of the Vickers' ringfencing proposals but the CMA rejected this.

The Guardian - Business

Processing hard copies of credit card payments could lead to a delay of at least several days before a payment was posted to the merchant's bank account.

The New York Times

Western officials and Iraqi political figures said that the council was planning to declare its formation at a news conference on Sunday, though last-minute negotiations might lead to a delay of a day or so.

The New York Times

In the US, the Fed expected the labor market to continue to strengthen even as some members noted that a slowdown in job creation might lead to a delay in future interest rate rises, the July minutes show.

The Guardian - Business

That would lead to a delay of about a year in the construction of the Large Hadron Collider, which will be the most powerful particle accelerator in the world.

The New York Times

"These issues will not lead to a delay in completing the scheme".

BBC

A large Δτexcess may lead to a delay in the rupture onset.

Earth, Planets and Space

This can lead to a delay in diagnosis of this eminently treatable condition.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

For the relative permeability model proposed, higher van Genuchten n values lead to a delay in clogging.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lead to a delay", ensure the context clearly identifies the cause and the specific area or process affected by the delay. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lead to a delay" without specifying what is being delayed. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead to a delay" functions as a causative verb phrase. It indicates that a particular action or situation will cause a postponement or slowing down of something. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lead to a delay" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a causal relationship resulting in a postponement or slowdown. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news reporting. While alternatives like "cause a setback" exist, "lead to a delay" offers a neutral and widely understood way to communicate potential or actual impediments. For effective communication, it’s crucial to specify what is being delayed and the reasons behind it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Result in a postponement

Focuses on the outcome being a formal deferment.

Cause a setback

Emphasizes a hindrance or reversal in progress.

Bring about a slowdown

Highlights the reduction in speed or activity.

Create a holdup

Suggests an interruption or obstruction.

Provoke a waiting period

Indicates a necessary pause before proceeding.

Impose a moratorium

Signals a temporary prohibition or suspension.

Incur a deferment

Implies becoming subject to a delayed action.

Instigate a rescheduling

Focuses on the act of changing a planned event's time.

Generate a lag

Emphasizes the creation of a gap or interval.

Precipitate a standstill

Suggests causing a halt or cessation of movement.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "lead to a delay"?

You can use phrases like "result in a postponement", "cause a setback", or "bring about a slowdown" depending on the context.

How can I use "lead to a delay" in a sentence?

Use "lead to a delay" to show a cause-and-effect relationship where one event or action results in a postponement or slowing down of something else. For example, "Insufficient funding can lead to a delay in the project's completion."

What is the difference between "lead to a delay" and "cause a delay"?

"Lead to a delay" and "cause a delay" are very similar. "Cause a delay" is a more direct and active construction, while "lead to a delay" can sometimes imply a more indirect or gradual effect.

Is it better to use "lead to a delay" or "result in a delay"?

Both "lead to a delay" and "result in a delay" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the overall tone of the writing.