minor delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant postponement in a schedule or timeline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be a minor delay in the delivery of your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's the first minor delay in a genuinely impressive ascent.

The Guardian - Music

90 min +2: We're back after that minor delay, but Bravo has the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

"Even a minor delay of one train can have a cascading effect on the other trains," said Lynn Bowersox, an assistant executive director at New Jersey Transit.

The New York Times

Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president for basketball operations, said in a statement that the surgery would be a minor delay in Bibby's season.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the president agreed to a minor delay in his major address on the economy and jobs, the implicit message will be the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

He would stay at Cornell, even if he had to add a second minor, delay his graduation and take the fall semester off.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Minor inconveniences were reported, with some commuters recounting only minor delays in trips downtown.

Wikipedia

If the second center does not set himself quickly, the linesman can drop the puck quickly or call a minor delay-of-game penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

There were only minor delays, too, at the airports.

The New York Times

The accident caused minor delays on the line.

The New York Times

As the holiday home market boomed, few developers went bust and buyers would accept minor delays.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "minor delay". In formal settings, it's acceptable; in informal settings, a more casual term like "small hiccup" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "minor delay" when the delay has significant consequences. Accurately assess and communicate the actual impact to maintain transparency and trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of postponement that is not significant. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minor delay" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term to describe a slight postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Sports. When using "minor delay", ensure you accurately represent the situation, as overstating its impact can undermine credibility. Alternative phrases such as "slight setback" or "brief interruption" can be used to add variety to your writing. Always consider your audience and the formality of the setting to choose the most appropriate term. Being clear about the impact of the delay is also crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short postponement

Replaces "delay" with "postponement" and "minor" with "short", keeping a similar formal tone.

slight setback

Replaces "delay" with "setback", emphasizing the impediment aspect.

brief interruption

Focuses on the temporary nature of the delay, using "interruption".

modest setback

Replaces "minor" with "modest", indicating a slight impediment.

small holdup

Uses a more informal term, "holdup", to denote a minor delay.

brief lag

Uses "lag" to describe a short period of delay.

momentary pause

Highlights the brevity of the delay, framing it as a "pause".

temporary suspension

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the interruption, using "suspension".

slight rescheduling

Focuses on the change in schedule caused by the minor delay.

small hiccup

Introduces a more colloquial term, "hiccup", for a minor disruption.

FAQs

What does "minor delay" mean?

A "minor delay" refers to a short or insignificant postponement that doesn't substantially impact overall timelines or outcomes.

What can I say instead of "minor delay"?

You can use alternatives like "slight setback", "brief interruption", or "small holdup" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "minor delay" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor delay" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a small or insignificant postponement. However, ensure the context aligns with the term's meaning.

How does a "minor delay" differ from a "major delay"?

A "minor delay" implies minimal impact and a short duration, while a "major delay" suggests significant disruption and a potentially extended timeframe.