serious delay

USAGE SUMMARY

'serious delay' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is delayed for a long period of time and it can have a significant impact. For example, "The contractor has experienced a serious delay in delivering the goods, so the project will be behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I don't think this will be a serious delay".

The New York Times

There have been worries that any serious delay might play havoc with England's travel arrangements.

The Guardian - Sport

An adviser to the Governing Council, Claude Hankesaidielsma, said Friday in a interview from Baghdad that those actions had resulted in "a serious delay in the inquiry".

The New York Times

Investigations and inquests are case specific, held in isolation, subject to serious delay and do not ensure that lessons are learned.

The Guardian - Opinion

His experience, complicated by a serious delay in diagnosis, is a powerful reminder that strokes can and do happen to young people.

The New York Times

The proportion of British roads subject to serious delay is three times higher than in Germany and five times higher than in France.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But competition from the Channel tunnel, and daily incidents with migrants, have caused serious delays.

The Guardian

The company has warned that it could encounter serious delays, much as the Roadster did.

The New York Times

The station now is a major bottleneck that causes serious delays.

The New York Times

The 10-member panel said in a statement that it had encountered "serious delays" in obtaining information from the Defense Department.

The New York Times

The most serious delays took place at Logan International Airport in Boston, Hartsfield in Atlanta, and O'Hare and Midway in Chicago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious delay", ensure the context clearly indicates the area affected by the delay and the potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "serious delay" if the delay is minor or has negligible consequences; choose a less impactful phrase like "slight delay" or "minor setback".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "delay". It describes a state of being significantly behind schedule or expected progress. Ludwig shows that it's commonly used to report or discuss incidents causing important postponements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious delay" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression denoting a significant postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for describing situations where something is delayed for a substantial period, often with notable repercussions. Found most frequently in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various communicative purposes. When using "serious delay", ensure that the context clearly reflects the scope and impact of the delay to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives such as "significant postponement" or "major setback" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant postponement

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the delay.

major setback

Highlights the negative consequences and obstruction caused by the delay.

considerable holdup

Focuses on the length and inconvenience of the delay.

substantial deferment

Implies a formal or planned postponement of something.

extensive interruption

Highlights the disruptive nature and wide-ranging effect of the delay.

protracted suspension

Suggests a long and possibly indefinite halt to progress.

lengthy adjournment

Implies a temporary cessation of activity, usually in a formal setting.

grave impedance

Emphasizes the severity of the obstruction caused by the delay.

critical standstill

Highlights the importance of the activity being halted and the serious implications.

severe disruption

Focuses on the chaos and disorder caused by the delay.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious delay" to describe situations where progress is significantly hampered. For example, "The project experienced a "serious delay" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to saying "serious delay"?

Alternatives include "significant postponement", "major setback", or "considerable holdup", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "serious delay" or "major delay"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "serious delay" emphasizes the severity and potential consequences, while "major delay" simply indicates the significance of the delay in terms of duration or impact.

What are the implications of a "serious delay" in a project?

A "serious delay" often implies increased costs, missed deadlines, and potential damage to reputation. It suggests that the delay is not easily overcome and requires significant intervention.