potentially delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potentially delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is likely to be delayed, but there is not yet any definite confirmation of the delay. For example, "Due to inclement weather, the train could be potentially delayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It injected a small note of uncertainty into the Republican race, and potentially delayed the day when Mr. McCain would have the stage to himself.

The New York Times

It may also influence the patient's perioperative experience and result in reduced patient satisfaction with care and potentially delayed recovery.

Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing

A novel design and analysis approach for immuno-oncology trials is proposed through a piecewise treatment effect function, which is capable of detecting a potentially delayed treatment effect.

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

To the extent that providers do not instantaneously comprehend the consequences of the reforms at the time of enactment, the effect on the health insurance market may be potentially delayed.

Health Economics Review

Young radiologists may be tempted to aim at better paid jobs in private practices than to move into research jobs with their numerous obligations requiring longer working hours, more limited clinical experience and potentially delayed clinical promotion into clinical staff positions.

Insights into Imaging

With a crucial vote on Canada's new euthanasia legislation potentially delayed as the countdown to a court-imposed deadline approaches, uncertainty and disagreement over the proposed law reigns.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If a larger network protects against fluctuations in membrane potential, it may be able to prevent cristae remodelling, thereby potentially delaying or preventing apoptosis.

BioEssays

That will potentially delay the gas plant".

The New York Times

Will some rain potentially delay a grand final?

The Guardian - Sport

Research on autism will probably be most affected, potentially delaying discoveries in the field for years.

The New York Times - Science

But in terms of scary reasons to carry on working, potentially delaying dementia has got to come top.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "potentially delayed", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors could cause the delay. This adds clarity and informs the reader about the possible reasons for the postponement.

Common error

Avoid using "potentially delayed" as a filler phrase. Always provide context or reasons why something might be delayed to maintain credibility and provide valuable information to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potentially delayed" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the state of something that may experience a delay. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potentially delayed" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the possibility of a delay, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a degree of uncertainty about the timing of an event. Alternatives such as "possibly postponed" or "maybe deferred" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using "potentially delayed", it's best practice to provide context about the potential causes of the delay to provide a clearer understanding. Avoid overuse and ensure justification for the potential delay. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms that the phrase is widely accepted and understood in various professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially hindered

Indicates the possibility of encountering obstacles, leading to delays.

possibly postponed

Suggests a chance of being postponed; less emphasis on the delay itself.

subject to postponement

Highlights that the event is under the condition of possibly being postponed.

subject to rescheduling

Indicates that something may need to be rescheduled for a later date.

maybe deferred

Implies a temporary postponement, where the event is put off to a later time.

liable to be put off

Indicates a higher probability of delay due to certain factors or conditions.

perhaps held up

Focuses on the hindrance causing the delay rather than the delay itself.

at risk of deferral

Highlights the risk factor associated with delaying something.

may be impeded

Focuses on the action or progress being hindered, leading to a delay.

conceivably adjourned

Suggests a formal temporary suspension of proceedings.

FAQs

How can I use "potentially delayed" in a sentence?

Use "potentially delayed" to indicate that something might be postponed or held back, but it is not yet certain. For example, "The flight is "potentially delayed" due to bad weather."

What can I say instead of "potentially delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "possibly postponed", "maybe deferred", or "subject to postponement" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "potentially delay" instead of "potentially delayed"?

No, "potentially delay" is grammatically incorrect. "Delayed" is the past participle and functions as an adjective in this context. "Delay" as a verb would require a different sentence structure.

What's the difference between "potentially delayed" and "definitely delayed"?

"Potentially delayed" means there is a possibility of a delay, but it's not confirmed. "Definitely delayed" means the delay is confirmed and certain. The former indicates uncertainty, while the latter indicates certainty.