please excuse the delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please excuse the delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when apologizing for a delay in response or action, often in professional or formal communication. Example: "Thank you for your patience; please excuse the delay in my response as I was attending to other urgent matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Please excuse the handwriting.

The New Yorker

Please excuse the horrible music!

The Guardian - Sport

Hands across the sea, Kitaj Dear Kitaj, Please excuse the overfamiliarity!

The Guardian

Oh yeah, please excuse the dates on my pictures.

TechCrunch

And please excuse the lighting!

Huffington Post

Please, please excuse the continual screwing up of the title of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Huffington Post

Please excuse the awkward pun but each component references coming to terms with difference.

Vice

On Twitter, you can follow me as @MuchHaikuAbtNothing. Please excuse the tweets about The Bachelor.

Huffington Post

So please excuse the theatrics that you are about to witness, but this is show business.

Huffington Post

"Sorry about that, please excuse us," the lion's father said.

The New Yorker

Also, please excuse the tie... .. Laughter erupts from the church pews, he is human after all!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please excuse the delay", follow up with a brief explanation for the delay to provide context and show accountability.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "please excuse the delay" without providing any reason for it. Doing so can come across as insincere and unprofessional. Always offer a concise explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please excuse the delay" functions as an apologetic expression. It serves to politely request understanding or forgiveness for a lapse in time or a belated action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically in professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please excuse the delay" serves as a polite and formal way to apologize for a lapse in time or response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and best suited for professional or formal communication. When using this phrase, it's advisable to provide a brief explanation for the delay to enhance sincerity. While alternatives like "sorry for the delay" exist, "please excuse the delay" maintains a higher level of formality and professionalism. Due to the lack of direct examples, its common usage contexts are challenging to determine definitively, but it is clearly appropriate in settings where politeness and respect are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please accept my apologies for the delay

Uses a more formal tone by explicitly offering apologies.

kindly forgive the delay

Emphasizes politeness and requests forgiveness.

sorry for the delay

A more direct and slightly less formal apology.

we apologize for the inconvenience caused by the delay

Focuses on the inconvenience caused and uses a more corporate tone.

please pardon the delay

Uses "pardon" which is a more formal way of saying excuse.

my apologies for the lateness

Highlights the lateness rather than a general delay.

forgive us for the tardiness

Emphasizes tardiness and requests forgiveness.

i apologize for the belated response

Specifically addresses a late response.

we regret the delay

Expresses regret regarding the delay.

excuse the lateness

A shorter and less formal way to ask for understanding about being late.

FAQs

How can I use "please excuse the delay" in a sentence?

You can use "please excuse the delay" when you need to apologize for a delayed response or action. For example, "Please excuse the delay in responding to your email; I was out of the office."

What is a more formal alternative to "please excuse the delay"?

A more formal alternative is "please accept my apologies for the delay". It conveys a greater sense of formality and respect.

When is it appropriate to use "please excuse the delay"?

It's appropriate to use "please excuse the delay" in professional emails, formal letters, or any situation where you need to apologize for a lapse in time. It shows politeness and acknowledgment of the delay.

Is it better to say "please excuse the delay" or "sorry for the delay"?

"Please excuse the delay" is generally more formal and polite. "Sorry for the delay" is more casual and suitable for informal communication.