lengthy delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a significant amount of time before something occurs or is resolved. Example: "Due to the lengthy delay in shipping, our customers have expressed their frustration with the service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I wouldn't anticipate a lengthy delay".

The Guardian

After a lengthy delay, the trial resumed in February 2003.

The New York Times

The administration tried to put the best face on what could be a lengthy delay.

The New York Times

Lewis said she used the lengthy delay on No. 15 and the faulty ruling as fuel.

The New York Times - Sports

Passenger lost "A passenger claimed compensation following a lengthy delay departing from a UK airport.

Independent

After a lengthy delay, the same film is rewound and shown again.

The Guardian - Film

Ben Bernanke, the current Fed chairman, acknowledged the lengthy delay in reaching this point.

The New Yorker

But the lengthy delay of that decision has left analysts scratching their heads.

The New York Times - Sports

However, public hearings on the TiSA took more than four months, causing a lengthy delay.

The Economist

"It's not going to set me back," Burnett said of the lengthy delay.

The New York Times - Sports

The Guardian asked the Pentagon to explain its lengthy delay on acting on the 2010 review.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about delays, quantify the "lengthy delay" if possible. Instead of just stating there was a "lengthy delay", specify the delay in terms of minutes, hours, days, or even weeks.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy delay" repeatedly in the same paragraph or section. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "protracted delay", "extended delay", or describing the impact of the delay directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy delay" functions as a noun phrase, where 'lengthy' modifies the noun 'delay'. It serves to specify the duration or extent of the delay being referred to. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing multiple examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lengthy delay" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant postponement or interruption. Ludwig's analysis reveals it is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While "lengthy delay" is appropriate in many situations, consider using synonyms such as "protracted delay" or "extended delay" for variety and precision. Remember to quantify the delay whenever possible and avoid overuse of the phrase in close proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted delay

Emphasizes the drawn-out nature of the delay.

extended delay

Highlights the increased duration of the delay.

considerable delay

Indicates a delay of significant magnitude.

significant delay

Stresses the importance or impact of the delay.

long delay

A more common and general term for a delay of substantial time.

substantial postponement

Implies the delay involves rescheduling to a later time.

prolonged holdup

Suggests the delay is caused by an obstruction or impediment.

extensive interruption

Highlights the disruptive effect of the delay.

drawn-out wait

Emphasizes the waiting period caused by the delay.

lingering standstill

Suggests the delay involves a prolonged period of inactivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "lengthy delay" to describe any situation where there's a significant pause or postponement. For instance: "The project suffered a "lengthy delay" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "lengthy delay"?

Alternatives include "protracted delay", "extended delay", or "considerable delay". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the delay you want to emphasize.

Is it more appropriate to say "long delay" or "lengthy delay"?

"Long delay" and "lengthy delay" are often interchangeable, but "lengthy delay" can imply a more significant or problematic duration. "Lengthy" also tends to sound more formal than "long".

What's the difference between "lengthy delay" and "unavoidable delay"?

"Lengthy delay" simply refers to the duration of the delay. "Unavoidable delay" focuses on the cause, implying that the delay could not have been prevented, regardless of its duration.