major delays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major delays" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant or substantial delays in various contexts, such as transportation, project timelines, or processes. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there are major delays in the delivery of the new equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Roads: No major delays.

The New York Times

Expect major delays.

The Washington Post

It created major delays for riders.

The Washington Post

Sergeant Rehmann said that there were no major delays.

The New York Times

* No injuries were reported but major delays continue.

The Washington Post

There were major delays at airports and on railroads.

The New York Times

But crowds jammed Pennsylvania Station and there were major delays last night at La Guardia Airport.

The New York Times

The report suggests that incident was an inconvenience but did not result in major delays.

The New York Times

But at least with major delays there is an opportunity to claim compensation.

The Guardian - Money

The signs are being replaced during off-peak periods to avoid causing major delays on roads.

The New York Times

For riders, the problem created major delays and overcrowding on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major delays", specify the area or process affected (e.g., "major delays in air travel", "major delays in project completion") for clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "major delays" without providing any sense of scale or impact. Indicate the duration, scope, or consequences of the delays to give the reader a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major delays" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "major" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "delays". It describes a situation characterized by significant postponements or disruptions. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major delays" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe significant postponements or disruptions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase is versatile and widely understood. To enhance clarity, specify the area or process affected when using "major delays". Alternatives include "significant delays" and "substantial delays". Avoid overuse without quantification to ensure the message is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant delays

Replaces "major" with "significant", emphasizing the importance or impact of the delays.

substantial delays

Uses "substantial" instead of "major", highlighting the considerable extent of the delays.

extensive delays

Substitutes "major" with "extensive", focusing on the widespread nature of the delays.

severe delays

Employs "severe" to underscore the seriousness and intensity of the delays.

lengthy delays

Replaces "major" with "lengthy", drawing attention to the extended duration of the delays.

considerable delays

Uses "considerable" instead of "major", indicating the significant amount or degree of the delays.

prolonged delays

Highlights the extended or protracted nature of the delays.

critical delays

Indicates that the delays have a crucial or decisive impact.

serious disruptions

Shifts the focus from delays to the disruptions they cause, emphasizing their severity.

significant setbacks

Replaces "delays" with "setbacks", framing the situation as impediments to progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "major delays" to describe significant postponements or disruptions. For example, "The snowstorm caused "major delays" at the airport".

What is a good alternative to "major delays"?

Alternatives include "significant delays", "substantial delays", or "extensive delays", depending on the context.

Are "major delays" and "minor delays" opposites?

Yes, "major delays" and "minor delays" are generally considered opposites. "Major delays" indicate significant disruptions, while minor delays suggest only slight postponements.

What causes "major delays" in transportation?

"Major delays" in transportation can be caused by various factors, such as severe weather, accidents, equipment malfunctions, or strikes.