predict a delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predict a delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing expectations regarding timing, particularly in contexts like travel, project management, or logistics. Example: "Due to the severe weather conditions, we predict a delay in the arrival of the shipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The French predict a delay of several months; Russia is seeking to put off a decision for six months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A normal EGG recording may not guarantee a normal GE, but an abnormal EGG may predict a delayed GE.

BioMed Research International

Just as industry rumours correctly predicted a delay to its launch, from May to November, predictions that the PS3 would be expensive also proved to be accurate.

The Economist

Joshua Schimmer of Leerink Swann predicted a delay of five to 10 months.

The New York Times

The simulation result predicted a delay of about 2 years as a worse case with no chance of meeting the project's on stream date.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Just wait," he told them, correctly predicting a delay in the deportation policy. .

Los Angeles Times

In particular, this model predicts a delay between channel activation and dye uptake and this delay should be directly proportional to the molecular size of the permeating dye.

BMC Physiology

Given that extended Notch activity has been shown to postpone the E/A switch (Sun et al., 2008), we at first predicted a delay in the E/A switch when Smr is mutated.

Biology Open

The model predicts a delayed-exit effect of 4.3 percentage points in British Columbia, which is within one-third of one standard error of the effect estimated by Ford et al. (2003).

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

After calculating the score γ for each possible time shift, we predict a time delay of t time points by setting t to the time shift of the highest retrieved score γ, and the p-value is calculated and adjusted by multiple hypothesis testing to estimate the significance of score.

BMC Genomics

Compared to Monk's results, there is broad agreement, however we predict a slightly longer delay (around 18.9 compared to Monk's 18.5) and slightly different values for μ m and μ p (around 0.0285 and 0.0305, respectively compared to Monk's 0.03 for both).

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predict a delay", provide context or reasons for the prediction to enhance clarity and credibility. For example, "Due to the upcoming storm, we predict a delay in deliveries."

Common error

Avoid using "predict a delay" as an absolute certainty. Predictions are inherently based on probabilities, so acknowledge potential variability. For example, instead of saying "We predict a delay," consider "We predict there might be a delay."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predict a delay" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of forecasting or anticipating a postponement or lateness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase indicates an expectation about future events based on current information or trends.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predict a delay" is a grammatically sound and widely accepted way to express the anticipation of a postponement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a practical phrase applicable across diverse writing contexts, especially within science and news. While "predict a delay" is common, remember to provide context for the prediction and avoid overstating the certainty of the forecast. Consider using synonyms such as "anticipate a delay" or "forecast a delay" to refine the nuance of your statement. The choice between these alternatives depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Anticipate a delay

Changes "predict" to "anticipate", focusing on expectation.

Forecast a delay

Replaces "predict" with "forecast", emphasizing a projection based on available data.

Foresee a delay

Substitutes "predict" with "foresee", highlighting the ability to see into the future regarding potential delays.

Expect a delay

Uses "expect" instead of "predict", indicating a belief that a delay is likely to occur.

Project a delay

Employs "project" in place of "predict", suggesting a more formal or calculated anticipation of a delay.

Envisage a delay

Replaces "predict" with "envisage", implying a mental picture of a potential delay.

See a delay coming

Uses a more descriptive and less formal way to express the anticipation of a delay.

Anticipate lateness

Focuses on the outcome (lateness) rather than the process of predicting.

Foresee postponement

Substitutes delay for postponement

Expect a setback

Uses "setback" instead of "delay", referring to a more general impediment.

FAQs

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

You can use "predict a delay" to indicate an expectation of lateness or postponement, such as, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we "predict a delay" in the project timeline."

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

A more formal alternative to "predict a delay" could be "anticipate a delay" or "project a delay", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "predict a delay" and "expect a delay"?

While similar, "predict a delay" suggests a forecast based on available information, whereas "expect a delay" implies a general anticipation without necessarily having concrete data.

When is it appropriate to use "predict a delay" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "predict a delay" when you have some evidence or reasoning to suggest that a delay is likely to occur, such as in project management, travel planning, or logistical forecasting.