long-delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been postponed or held up for an extended period of time. Example: "The long-delayed project finally received the funding it needed to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 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

Spector's long-delayed murder trial finally begins in January.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Stephen E. Ambrose is correct in "An Honor Too Long Delayed" (Op-Ed, May 19).

The New York Times

He was at a loss to explain what accounted for these Long Delayed Echoes.

Vice

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long-delayed" when you want to emphasize not only the delay but also the anticipation or expectation surrounding the event. It adds a layer of importance to the fact that something has been postponed.

Common error

Avoid using "long-delayed" for minor delays or insignificant events. The phrase carries weight and is best suited for situations where the delay has had a noticeable impact or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "long-delayed" is as a compound adjective modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that has been postponed for a significant amount of time. See examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long-delayed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. It effectively conveys that something has been postponed for a significant amount of time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When using "long-delayed", it's best to reserve it for situations where the delay is substantial and has noteworthy implications. Alternatives such as "long-overdue" or "much-delayed" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse in trivial context, as advised in this guide.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-overdue

Emphasizes the sense of obligation or expectation that something should have happened sooner.

much-delayed

Highlights the significant extent of the delay.

overdue

A more concise way to express that something should have happened already.

belated

Suggests the action or event is happening later than expected or desired.

protracted

Focuses on the extended duration of the delay, often implying it was unnecessarily long.

tardily executed

Describes something that was performed with lateness.

long in coming

Emphasizes the duration and anticipation surrounding the event or action.

delayed for a considerable time

A more descriptive way to express a substantial delay.

stalled for years

Indicates the long time spent in a state of arrest.

postponed indefinitely

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of a specific future date.

FAQs

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

You can use "long-delayed" to describe events, projects, or decisions that have been postponed for an extended period. For example, "The "long-delayed project" finally received funding."

What are some alternatives to "long-delayed"?

Alternatives include "long-overdue", "much-delayed", and "overdue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "long-delayed"?

"Long-delayed" is most appropriate when the delay has been significant and has potentially caused consequences or anticipation. It adds emphasis compared to simply saying "delayed."

Is "long-delayed" the same as "overdue"?

While similar, "long-delayed" emphasizes the duration of the delay, while "overdue" focuses on the fact that something should have happened already. "Long-delayed" carries a stronger sense of extended postponement.