need a delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need a delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or indicating the necessity for a postponement or extension of time for a task or event. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I need a delay in the project deadline to ensure quality work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

No wonder Hans Tietmeyer, the Bundesbank's head, recently murmured that the euro's start might need a delay.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Defense lawyers for Mr. Stanford argued again this week that they needed a delay in the trial.

The New York Times

The grenade needed a delay for the thrower to get clear, so the woollen sock was covered in a sticky substance ensuring that the bomb stayed in place for a few seconds before detonating.

Wikipedia

Twenty-six patieneedededed a delay of administration with a total 234 delayed weekly cycles of median 8 weeks (range 0 38).

British Journal of Cancer

The mRNA production x1 t) from DNA via transcription needs a delayed time τ M for RNA polymerase to transverse the three structural genes, and the β-galactosidase production x2 t) through mRNA translation requires a delayed time τ B. The delayed time τ P is the translation time between mRNA and permease.

BMC Systems Biology

I think we need a rain delay.

Huffington Post

But American girls and women (and boys and men) also need a reason to delay childbearing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Take water and food aboard with you, any medicine you might need in a delay, and a book or other diversion.

The New York Times

In addition, inflow hydrograph with a long recession time or a long rainfall duration needs a long delay time to reach the required reduction in peak discharge.

International Journal of Sediment Research

At this dose level, six out of seven patients needed a dose delay and five out of seven required a dose reduction at cycle 2 or higher.

British Journal of Cancer

But Republican county officials have yet to begin selecting a nominee, and the governor would need a letter from Mr. DeLay by Friday in order to set a May date.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "need a delay", clearly state the reason for the delay to ensure understanding and cooperation.

Common error

Avoid simply stating you "need a delay" without providing context. Explain the reason and potential impact of not granting the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need a delay" functions as a request or expression of necessity. It indicates that a postponement or extension is required, as shown by Ludwig examples where it is used in contexts ranging from medical treatment to project deadlines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need a delay" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating a requirement for postponement, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it is readily understood and employed across varied contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and general discussions. When using "need a delay", it's best to provide a clear explanation for the request. Alternative phrases such as "require a postponement" or "request an extension" offer more formal options, ensuring clarity and professionalism in communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require a postponement

Formal alternative, focusing on the necessity of delaying something.

request an extension

More polite and direct when asking for more time.

necessitate a rescheduling

Emphasizes the unavoidable need to change a schedule.

call for a deferment

Suggests a more official or formal suspension of something.

warrant a postponement

Indicates there's sufficient reason to put something off.

make a plea for more time

Highlights the act of asking for additional time, often due to difficulties.

seek a temporary suspension

Suggests aiming to halt something temporarily.

desire a cessation

A wish for pause, but weaker than a "need".

postpone until further notice

Focuses on the action of delaying, often indefinitely.

hold off for a while

Implies temporary inaction, less forceful than 'need'.

FAQs

How can I use "need a delay" in a sentence?

You can use "need a delay" to express the requirement for a postponement. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we "need a delay" in the project deadline".

What's a more formal alternative to "need a delay"?

A more formal alternative would be "require a postponement" or "request an extension".

Is it grammatically correct to say "need a delay"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although it's relatively informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "require a postponement".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "need a delay"?

It's appropriate when you genuinely require more time or a postponement due to circumstances that hinder progress. Make sure to justify the "requests a delay" with a valid reason.