predictable delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predictable delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delay that can be anticipated or expected in a given situation, often in contexts like transportation, project timelines, or processes. Example: "Due to the heavy traffic during rush hour, we are experiencing a predictable delay in our arrival time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In these predictive timing tasks, RTs to targets appearing after a predictable delay are faster than those to targets appearing at a non-cued delay, demonstrating that subjects are likely to be timing the cue-target interval (temporal-orienting effect see [39] for a review).

Plosone

During the 1930s at Bell Laboratories, William Shockley, later coinventor of the transistor, had demonstrated a device a tube, called a delay line, containing water and ethylene glycol for effecting a predictable delay in information transmission.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is clear from previous studies that using TDMA or STDMA need strict synchronization and complete premapping of geographical locations to TDMA slots, but they are fair and have predictable delay.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Next time you are facing a long flight (and predictable delays) swap out those classics for these entertaining paperbacks.

The New York Times

We also present MAC protocols in DTSN which adapt their access control and transmission processes to the predictable delays.

Computer Networks

And, despite the predictable delays (the theatre was to reopen in 2008), cost overruns, and allegations of graft; despite the naysayers (Bolshoi principal Nikolai Tsiskaridze denounced the renovations as "plastic" and resembling "a hotel in Turkey"); despite finishing touches that included a bit or two of duct tape, everything looked as deeply and imperially posh as it was supposed to.

The New Yorker

As a by-product, QMAS is helping to create a world-class epidemiological database.The good news is that despite predictable delays and glitches, CFH is making a better fist of implementing the technological side of this dauntingly vast project than the pessimists expected.

The Economist

The original theory put forth by Braitenberg and Roger Atwood in 1958 proposed that slow propagation of signals along parallel fibers imposes predictable delays that allow the cerebellum to detect time relationships within a certain window.

Wikipedia

Some are obvious and predictable: communication delays and dependence upon spacesuits, for example.

Huffington Post

The courts in this case have followed the predictable pattern, delaying and preventing change to the status quo, toward life or toward death; they have declined to order the ventilator removed or a feeding tube inserted.

Los Angeles Times

Predictable throughput and delay is important for industrial wireless communications.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project timelines or schedules, use "predictable delay" to acknowledge potential slowdowns that have been factored into the plan, demonstrating foresight and planning. Always quantify the delay if possible, for example, "a predictable delay of two weeks".

Common error

Don't assume a "predictable delay" is necessarily acceptable. Acknowledging a delay's predictability doesn't negate the need to mitigate its impact or find alternative solutions. Always follow up with strategies to minimize the delay's consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predictable delay" functions as a noun phrase where "predictable" modifies the noun "delay". It describes a delay that can be anticipated or foreseen. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing that the phrase commonly appears in contexts where timing and planning are crucial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predictable delay" is a grammatically correct term used to describe a delay that can be anticipated or foreseen. Ludwig confirms its usage in diverse contexts, including science, news and media, and encyclopedias. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-understood and serves the purpose of setting expectations and planning for potential disruptions. Related phrases include "anticipated delay" and "expected delay". When using this phrase, it's important to remember that predictability doesn't necessarily make the delay acceptable, and strategies for mitigation should still be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipated delay

Emphasizes the act of foreseeing the delay beforehand.

expected delay

Focuses on the delay being in accordance with what is likely to happen.

foreseeable delay

Highlights the ability to see the delay in advance.

anticipated waiting period

Replaces "delay" with a term that highlights the waiting aspect, while "anticipated" implies predictability.

expected waiting time

Replaces "delay" with the more specific "waiting time", focusing on the time element.

manageable delay

Focuses on the characteristic of the delay that can be controlled or handled effectively.

calculable delay

Emphasizes the ability to determine the length or impact of the delay.

projected delay

Specifically refers to delays estimated within a project timeline.

estimated timeframe extension

More formally replaces "delay" using terminology related to time management.

anticipated disruption

Uses a broader term for a setback, which can still be predictable.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Due to scheduled maintenance, there will be a "predictable delay" in service delivery" or "The project timeline includes a buffer for any "predictable delay" that might arise from unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "predictable delay"?

Consider using alternatives such as "anticipated delay", "expected delay", or "foreseeable delay" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to have a predictable delay?

Not necessarily. A "predictable delay" can be factored into planning, allowing for adjustments and contingency measures. It becomes negative if the delay impacts overall goals or customer satisfaction despite being predictable.

What is the difference between "predictable delay" and "unforeseen delay"?

"Predictable delay" refers to a delay that can be anticipated or expected based on available information, while "unforeseen delay" refers to a delay that was not anticipated and occurred unexpectedly. The first can be planned for, the second requires reactive measures.