prepare for delays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prepare for delays" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to inform someone that they should expect delays, such as in travel, project timelines, or service notifications. Example: "Due to construction work, please prepare for delays on your commute." Alternative expressions include "expect delays" and "anticipate delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Visitors to London should prepare for delays for many years to come.

The Economist

Police have advised attendees to prepare for delays at the entrance.

Huffington Post

One thing is certain: Prepare for delays even if there are less people flying.

Forbes

Prepare for delays.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If it doesn't, they should be prepared for delays.

The New York Times

Checkfor live service updates on www.nationalrail.co.uk Airports Passengers travelling with easyJet or out of Luton should be prepared for delays.

Independent

Air Canada said it was waiving fees for the first checked bag, and it told passengers to be prepared for delays, cancellations and missed connections because of the new limits.

The New York Times

There's little that's complicated about your planned journey, though as you're familiar with the countries in question you'll already understand that you should be prepared for delays to journeys and, to a greater or lesser extent, unreliable vehicles once you get into Zambia and points north.

The Guardian - Travel

Be Prepared for Delays.

WikiHow

Moore said Oregon was still testing its crab and would likely have time to prepare for a delay.

Vice

Delays were reported in Japan and Hawaii on Wednesday morning, and the airline warned passengers to be prepared for other delays and cancellations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When announcing potential disruptions, combine "prepare for delays" with specific information about the cause and estimated duration to enhance user preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "prepare for delays" without specifying the situation or reason. Always provide context to make the warning meaningful for the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare for delays" primarily functions as an imperative, urging individuals to anticipate and get ready for potential disruptions. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a cautionary directive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prepare for delays" serves as a cautionary directive, advising individuals to anticipate potential disruptions. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and used across various reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While primarily found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its neutral formality makes it suitable for broad application. Alternative phrases such as "expect delays" or "anticipate delays" offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to provide specific context when using this phrase to maximize its informative value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expect delays

Replaces "prepare" with "expect", suggesting a slightly stronger degree of certainty.

anticipate delays

Uses "anticipate" which is more formal than "expect" or "prepare".

be ready for delays

Emphasizes readiness rather than just anticipation.

allow for delays

Focuses on incorporating potential delays into planning.

brace for delays

Implies a need to withstand or endure the delays.

get ready for delays

Similar to "be ready for delays" but slightly less formal.

foresee delays

Highlights the ability to see delays in advance.

factor in delays

Similar to "allow for delays" but emphasizes inclusion in calculations or considerations.

count on delays

Suggests a high probability of delays occurring.

plan for delays

Stresses the importance of incorporating delays into the planning process.

FAQs

How can I use "prepare for delays" in a sentence?

You can use "prepare for delays" to advise someone to expect potential lateness or holdups, as in "Due to ongoing road work, motorists should "prepare for delays"".

What's a more formal way to say "prepare for delays"?

A more formal alternative is to use "anticipate delays", which carries a similar meaning but is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it better to say "prepare for delays" or "expect delays"?

Both "prepare for delays" and "expect delays" are acceptable. "Expect" implies a higher degree of certainty, while "prepare" focuses on readiness.

What's the difference between "prepare for delays" and "allow for delays"?

"Prepare for delays" advises someone to be ready, while "allow for delays" suggests including potential delays when planning a schedule or budget.