ongoing delays

USAGE SUMMARY

'ongoing delays' is a valid expression used in written English.
It generally refers to a situation where something is taking longer than expected, or longer than usual. For example: The ongoing delays in the construction project have caused significant delays in the completion date.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Due to the ongoing delays, it has provided these free as a gesture of goodwill.

The Guardian - Money

It was due to open mid-March; mystery still surrounds its ongoing delays and what exactly will happen within its cavernous halls.

The Guardian - Arts

He was forced to apologise but has since been proved right by the ongoing delays to the completion of World Cup venues.

The Guardian - Sport

As many as 120 truckloads of stationery were "stranded" in the West Bank and Israel due to "ongoing delays in approval".

The Guardian

A statement was released: "In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming 'The Hobbit,' I am faced with the hardest decision of my life.

The New Yorker

The risk though is that, less than 100 days out of the 29 November state election, Victoria's parties will ramp up their rhetoric but still fail to understand what's really needed and be tempted to promises of quick fixes, ongoing delays, or a focus on just one part of the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Jeremy Corbyn has hit straight back at criticism from Tony Blair, saying the former Labour Prime Minister's "big problem" is the ongoing delay in the publication of the Iraq Inquiry.

Independent

"She is frankly tortured (not too strong a word) by this ongoing delay," Greg Nott, Semenya's lead lawyer, said in an e-mail message from South Africa on Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Wowi" had been rumoured in 2009 as his party's candidate to run against Angela Merkel in the German federal elections, but in recent years his popularity levels have plummeted dramatically, mainly due to the ongoing delay of the Berlin Brandenburg airport.

The Guardian

It was a call to action in May, more than past administrations had done, and it was just a start — all the more reason why ongoing delay in these perilous times is extremely risky.

TechCrunch

After all, a significant chunk of declining smartwatch shipments was laid at the feet of the OS's ongoing delay and, as last year drew to a close, studies like this report from IDC pointed to a dismal end to the year for a space so many were once so bullish about.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing delays", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and what the impact of these delays is. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ongoing delays" without specifying what is being delayed. Vague usage diminishes the impact and leaves the reader unclear about the issue. Be explicit about the project, process, or event experiencing the delays.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing delays" functions as a noun phrase, where "ongoing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "delays". It describes a situation where delays are not isolated incidents but are continuous or recurring.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ongoing delays" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe continuous or recurring delays. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. Related phrases include "continuing setbacks" and "persistent holdups". When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context about what is being delayed to avoid vagueness. Overall, "ongoing delays" is a practical and effective way to communicate protracted postponements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuing setbacks

Focuses on the repetitive nature of impediments rather than simply delays.

persistent holdups

Highlights the obstructions causing the delays, suggesting a more active impediment.

protracted postponements

Emphasizes the extended duration of the delays and formal rescheduling.

chronic lateness

Shifts the focus to the consistent failure to be on time.

recurring disruptions

Highlights the interruptions that repeatedly affect a process or schedule.

repeated deferments

Focuses on the action of postponing something multiple times, often officially.

constant interruptions

Emphasizes the frequency and disruptive nature of the intermissions.

continuous deferrals

Emphasizes how the action of postponing something is ongoing.

enduring lags

Highlights the prolonged time gap between expected progress and actual achievement.

unending suspensions

Emphasizes the lack of a clear end to the interruptions or pauses.

FAQs

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

You can use "ongoing delays" to describe situations where something is taking longer than expected or longer than usual. For example, "The "ongoing delays" in the construction project have caused significant problems".

What's a good alternative to "ongoing delays"?

Alternatives include "continuing setbacks", "persistent holdups", or "protracted postponements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "ongoing delays"?

While "delays" inherently imply something is not happening on time, "ongoing" emphasizes that the problem is continuous or unresolved, adding additional context.

What causes "ongoing delays"?

The causes of "ongoing delays" can vary widely, including unforeseen circumstances, resource constraints, regulatory issues, or management problems. Identifying the root cause is crucial for addressing the issue.