long delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"long delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like to indicate that a particular action has taken a significant amount of time or been postponed for a lengthy period of time. For example, you could say, "The project experienced a long delay due to the unexpected pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long delay.

The Guardian

A long delay, even by Bangladeshi standards.

The Economist

The downsides The long delay for current series is tough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After a long delay, we were flown to Zimbabwe.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was a long delay, and I'm coming off surgery.

The New York Times

The excellent result should help compensate for this long delay.

The New York Times

A long delay could frustrate investors and damage their image.

The New York Times

So what is the cause for the long delay?

The New York Times

Fans were quiet and respectful during the long delay.

The New York Times

After a long delay the line was completed in 1906.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, there will now be a long delay while the two chambers wrangle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long delay", be specific about the cause and impact of the delay to provide context and clarity to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "long delay" without explaining the reason behind it. Simply stating that there was a "long delay" can leave the reader wondering why it happened and its consequences. Always provide additional information to make the statement more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long delay" functions as a noun phrase that describes an extended period of postponement or waiting. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often modifies another noun, specifying the type of delay being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long delay" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe an extended period of postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts. Its meaning is clear and unambiguous. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science. When using "long delay", it's best practice to provide context regarding the cause and impact of the delay. Some alternatives include "lengthy postponement" and "protracted wait". Avoid using the phrase without any supporting information regarding the reasons for or impact of the delay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted wait

Emphasizes the extended duration of the waiting period.

lengthy postponement

Highlights the act of delaying something for a significant time.

extended hiatus

Suggests a break or interruption that lasts for a considerable period.

significant deferral

Focuses on the action of putting something off to a later time, with emphasis on its importance.

considerable lag

Implies a gap or interval, particularly in timing or response.

extensive holdup

Highlights an interruption or obstruction causing a delay.

substantial interruption

Stresses the significance and impact of the interruption.

prolonged suspension

Specifically refers to a temporary halt that has been extended.

undue tardiness

Indicates a delay that is considered excessive or inappropriate.

extended deferment

Focuses on the action of postponing or delaying something for a long duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "long delay" to describe situations where something is postponed or takes longer than expected. For example: "The project suffered a "long delay" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "long delay"?

Alternatives include "lengthy postponement", "protracted wait", or "extended hiatus", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "long delay" or "lengthy delay"?

Both "long delay" and "lengthy delay" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference, although "long delay" might be slightly more common.

What causes a "long delay" in project completion?

A "long delay" can be caused by various factors, such as unexpected technical issues, lack of resources, or changes in project scope.