lengthy delays

USAGE SUMMARY

"lengthy delays" is a correct and usable part of sentence in written English.
You can use it when talking about a situation where something is taking longer than expected or desired. For example: "We are experiencing lengthy delays in the construction of the new bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

After lengthy delays, its service was launched in March.

The Economist

Early orders for A380s were hit by lengthy delays.

The New York Times

This is where the real problems lie – the lengthy delays.

The Guardian

The case has already been subjected to lengthy delays.

The Guardian

He had done so because of frustration over lengthy delays in the trial process.

Independent

But in the last decade, poor maintenance has led to breakdowns, overcrowding and lengthy delays.

The Economist

I know and expect Chinese New Year to cause lengthy delays.

The New York Times

But provisions under the 2006 Pension Protection Act offer an example of lengthy delays in enforcement.

The New York Times

The flood of applications taxed patent offices, creating huge backlogs and lengthy delays.

The Economist

Services have now resumed, but passengers have been warned of lengthy delays.

Independent

From the moment the station opened in 1987 after lengthy delays, the reception was not positive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lengthy delays" to describe periods significantly exceeding expected timeframes; consider alternatives like 'minor delays' for shorter durations.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy delays" as a vague descriptor. Instead, quantify the delay (e.g., "lengthy delays of several months") and explain the resulting consequences to add precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy delays" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes situations where delays are not only present but also significantly extended in duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengthy delays" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe significant postponements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It effectively conveys concern or frustration across various contexts, most commonly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure to provide specific details about the causes and impacts of the delays for clarity. While the phrase is generally neutral, tailoring your language to the specific audience and situation will further enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted delays

Emphasizes the extended duration of the delays.

extended delays

Highlights the increased duration of the delays.

long delays

A more common and simple way to express delays that take a significant amount of time.

considerable delays

Suggests the delays are noteworthy and significant.

significant delays

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the delays.

substantial delays

Highlights the magnitude or extent of the delays.

severe delays

Indicates the delays are critical and have serious consequences.

major delays

Implies the delays are large-scale and disruptive.

inordinate delays

Suggests the delays are excessive and unreasonable.

unreasonable delays

Indicates that there is not enough reasons to justify the delays.

FAQs

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

"Lengthy delays" typically function as a noun phrase. For example: "The project experienced "lengthy delays" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "lengthy delays"?

Alternatives to "lengthy delays" include "protracted delays", "extended delays", or simply "long delays". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Which is correct, "lengthy delays" or "long delays"?

Both "lengthy delays" and "long delays" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Lengthy delays" might imply a more significant or problematic duration than just "long delays".

What's the difference between "lengthy delays" and "minor delays"?

"Lengthy delays" indicates substantial postponements, while "minor delays" refer to brief and less impactful postponements. The choice depends on the actual duration and consequences of the delay.