likely delays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely delays" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that delays are probable or expected in a given situation. Example: "Due to the severe weather conditions, there are likely delays in the delivery of packages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Airline officials said that the F.A.A. had passed out copies of an analysis of likely delays, but then demanded all the copies back.

The New York Times

It suggests vendors get in touch with buyers to tell them of likely delays, and buyers get in touch with sellers to double-check mailing dates to get a clearer idea of when their goods are likely to arrive.

The Guardian

They want to keep their contracts as insurance against likely delays or snags in deregulating Poland's energy market not least those arising from the trade-union dominated coal industry, which supplies most of the fuel for generation.

The Economist

The idea is to weigh up the likely delays on different routes so that a driver will be able to state with a high degree of confidence the probability of arriving on time, says John Holland, boss of Journey Dynamics.

The Economist

Google Now also helps you on your commute, notifying of likely delays to your usual journey and suggesting various travel routes from which to choose based on your habitual modes of travel, and offering to keep people of your choosing updated on your progress automatically.

The Guardian - Tech

He warned of likely delays beyond 2015 in replacing the space shuttle and the possibility that China would launch U.S. astronauts during the interim.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Another problem is the likely delay between the tabling of a complaint and its resolution.

The Guardian

The likely delay comes at a delicate time in South Korean politics.

The New York Times

And there will be another court challenge, meaning a likely delay even beyond that.

The New York Times

This week's agreement is already months behind schedule, and Pyongyang will likely delay, obfuscate and demand a lot more.

The New York Times

A second recount will be held in the race for governor, most likely delaying the final result until Christmas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely delays", ensure the context clearly explains the reason for the anticipated delays. Providing specific factors contributing to the potential delay enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "likely delays" when the possibility of delay is merely speculative or based on weak evidence. Use more cautious language, such as "potential delays", if the likelihood is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely delays" functions as a noun phrase, where "likely" modifies the noun "delays". It indicates that delays are probable or expected. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, which show the phrase in contexts related to transportation, project timelines, and other situations where delays are anticipated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

25%

Science & Research

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely delays" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that delays are probable or anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While there are alternatives like "expected delays" and "potential delays", the key is to ensure the context supports the likelihood of delays and to avoid overstating the certainty if the evidence is weak. When writing, be sure to provide specific reasons for the anticipated delays to add credibility. Overall, "likely delays" is a versatile phrase for conveying potential disruptions in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable delays

Replaces "likely" with "probable", suggesting a high chance of delays occurring.

expected delays

Uses "expected" instead of "likely", implying that delays are anticipated based on current conditions.

anticipated delays

Similar to "expected delays", but carries a slightly more formal tone.

potential delays

Emphasizes the possibility of delays, rather than their likelihood.

possible delays

Indicates that delays are a feasible outcome, though not necessarily the most probable.

foreseeable delays

Suggests that the delays can be predicted or anticipated in advance.

predicted delays

Focuses on the aspect of forecasting or predicting the occurrence of delays.

imminent delays

Suggests that delays are about to happen very soon.

near-term delays

Indicates that the delays are expected to occur in the immediate future.

impending delays

Similar to "imminent delays", suggesting that delays are looming.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely delays" to indicate that delays are expected or probable due to certain circumstances. For example, "Due to the storm, there are "likely delays" in flights."

What are some alternatives to "likely delays"?

Alternatives include "expected delays", "probable delays", or "potential delays", depending on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "highly likely delays"?

While grammatically correct, "highly likely delays" can sound redundant. It's often better to simply say ""likely delays"" or rephrase for clarity.

What is the difference between "likely delays" and "possible delays"?

"Likely delays" suggests a higher probability of delays occurring, while "possible delays" indicates that delays are a feasible, but not necessarily probable, outcome.