long delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

'long delayed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has taken a long time to happen or arrive; for example, "The long delayed results of the election have finally been released."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That record was not long delayed.

Independent

Can the Higher Education Conduct Authority be long delayed?

The Guardian

The closure of the Jahrbücher itself was not long delayed.

The Guardian - Books

Does she get credit for a reward so long delayed?

The New York Times

The only fulfilled relationship is Farida's, but that is long delayed and littered with obstacles.

The Guardian - Books

"2001" established the phenomenon of the Kubrick film: much rumored, long delayed, always a little disappointing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

So this is a long-delayed apology.

The New York Times

The long-delayed Delicatessen will have a sleek industrial design.

The New York Times - Food

Nato itself should also undertake a long-delayed transformation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Begin the long-delayed peace talks that Afghans deserve.

The New Yorker

As they did, they talked of seizing long-delayed pleasures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long delayed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and why the duration is significant. This adds impact and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "long delayed" when a simple "delayed" suffices. The phrase is most effective when the length of the delay is a key aspect of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long delayed" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun in question has experienced a significant postponement or has taken an extended period to occur. As evidenced by Ludwig, this adjectival phrase is used to describe events, objects, or actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long delayed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in news and media, to describe something that has been postponed for a significant period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a compound adjective, emphasizing the duration of the delay. While versatile, it's most effective when the length of the delay is a crucial aspect of the situation. Related phrases like "protracted delay" and "considerably deferred" can offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is delayed and why the duration matters for maximum clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted delay

Focuses on the extended duration of the delay.

much postponed

Emphasizes the act of repeatedly delaying something.

considerably deferred

Highlights the act of putting something off to a later time, with a sense of significance.

long outstanding

Stresses that something has been pending or unresolved for a significant period.

overdue for quite some time

Indicates that something is past its expected or scheduled time.

significantly behind schedule

Focuses on the deviation from the intended timeline.

belated arrival

Emphasizes lateness of something expected.

long in coming

Highlights the anticipation and extended wait for something.

delayed for ages

Emphasizes a very long period of postponement, often with an exaggerated tone.

tardy in its realization

Focuses on slow progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "long delayed" to describe something that has been postponed or has taken much longer than expected to occur. For example, "The "long delayed report" was finally released after years of investigation."

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

Alternatives include "protracted delay", "much postponed", or "considerably deferred". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very long delayed"?

Yes, adding "very" is generally redundant because "long" already implies a significant duration. Stick to "long delayed" for conciseness.

What's the difference between "long delayed" and "long-awaited"?

"Long delayed" refers to something that has been postponed or has taken a long time to happen, often with negative connotations. "Long-awaited" implies that something has been eagerly anticipated for a long time, usually with positive expectations.