might be delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a possible delay in an event, task, project, etc. For example, "Due to the bad weather, the shipment might be delayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its opening might be delayed a year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Though they might be delayed until a later retirement age).

The New York Times

Sample tweet @pauldirestaf1 "Looks like my flight might be delayed!

The Guardian - Sport

However, Judge Robinson has indicated that it might be delayed.

The New York Times

Mr. Smith said no programs would be canceled, but some might be delayed.

The New York Times

Some officials suggested that a foreign ministers' conference envisioned for early summer might be delayed.

The New York Times

News Corp's share price dropped as analysts warned the Sky deal might be delayed.

The Guardian

I knew when I took the job that payment might be delayed, but not indefinitely.

The New York Times - Magazine

A trial might be delayed or lengthened if the prosecution attempts to subpoena overseas-based personnel.

The Washington Post

But some officials said the election might be delayed by a month or two.

The Economist

Mr. Abbey also suggested that the launching might be delayed, as often happens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be delayed", consider specifying the reason for the potential delay to provide more context and clarity. For example, "The project might be delayed due to unforeseen technical issues."

Common error

While acknowledging a potential delay with "might be delayed" is useful, ensure you also suggest contingency plans or alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be delayed" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or uncertainty regarding a future event. It suggests that a delay is a potential outcome, but not a certainty. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility across different contexts, from project timelines to travel schedules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be delayed" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of a future postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase functions to inform or warn about potential delays, prompting preparedness. While "might be delayed" is frequently employed across diverse fields, it's particularly prevalent in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this expression, consider specifying the reason for the possible delay and offering contingency plans. Alternatives include phrases like "could be postponed" or "may be rescheduled", which can add nuance to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be postponed

Implies a potential deferment to a later time, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

might face postponement

Emphasizes the potential for a future delay, highlighting the uncertainty.

may be rescheduled

Suggests a rearrangement of the schedule, indicating a planned delay.

could be pushed back

Indicates a shift to a later date, often due to external pressures or workload.

may be subject to delays

Highlights the vulnerability to potential delays, suggesting external factors at play.

may experience a setback

Suggests a temporary impediment, implying a delay in progress.

could be deferred

Suggests that the term or time when the task is performed is put off to a later time.

might get pushed back

Similar to "could be pushed back", it indicates that something could be moved to a later date.

could run late

Indicates a potential overrun of the allotted time, focusing on the timing aspect.

might be held up

Suggests an impediment that could cause delay.

FAQs

How can I use "might be delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "might be delayed" to express a possibility of postponement. For example, "The flight "might be delayed" due to bad weather".

What's a more formal way to say "might be delayed"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "could be postponed" or "may be rescheduled" instead of "might be delayed".

Which is correct, "might be delayed" or "might get delayed"?

Both "might be delayed" and "might get delayed" are grammatically correct, but "might be delayed" is generally preferred in more formal writing. "Might get delayed" is more common in informal conversation.

What factors could cause something to "might be delayed"?

Numerous factors, such as technical issues, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, could cause something to "might be delayed". The specific reason depends on the context.