short delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"short delay" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually means a period of time shorter than expected or desired. For example, "We are sorry for the short delay in responding to your request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And some customers welcome a short delay.

The New York Times

Short delay here whilst they change the balls.

The Guardian - Sport

Players turned to look, causing a short delay.

The New York Times - Sports

Referee points to the penalty spot after a short delay.

The New York Times

So some observers are calling for a short delay.

The Economist

There is a short delay before the map updates with the colored triangles showing the failures.

The New York Times

After a short delay, a brace of hippos appear in the open water.

The Guardian - Travel

Charlotte Otto, a senior executive there, resists even a short delay.

The New York Times

After a short delay, the march moved on across Westminster Bridge and south of the river.

The Guardian

The driver announced that there would be a short delay due to "scheduled loitering".

The Guardian - Film

Indeed, some think a short delay could, if announced this summer, be manageable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a temporary interruption in a scheduled event, use "short delay" to convey that the disruption is not expected to last long.

Common error

Avoid using "short delay" to describe situations where the interruption is substantial or indefinite. This can mislead the audience and minimize the impact of a serious problem. Instead opt for a more informative phrase like "significant disruption" or "extended interruption".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. For example, "There is a short delay before the map updates."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "short delay" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to denote a brief pause or interruption. Its neutral tone renders it appropriate across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific literature. While alternatives like "brief pause" or "minor setback" exist, "short delay" remains a clear and effective option for indicating a temporary postponement. When using the term, ensure that the disruption is genuinely brief and doesn't misrepresent a significant issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight pause

Substitutes "delay" with "pause", emphasizing a temporary cessation.

small postponement

Specifically indicates the act of delaying something to a later time, but briefly.

minimal holdup

Replaces "delay" with "holdup", indicating a minor impediment or obstruction.

quick suspension

Implies a temporary cessation of activity, similar to a delay.

brief intermission

Replaces "delay" with "intermission", implying a pause in an event or activity.

brief hiatus

Uses "hiatus" instead of "delay", denoting a temporary gap or break.

minor setback

Replaces "delay" with "setback", suggesting a temporary impediment to progress.

transient lag

Uses "lag" instead of "delay" emphasizing a brief period where one thing happens after another.

momentary interruption

Emphasizes the brief and disruptive nature of the delay using "momentary interruption".

fleeting respite

Suggests a brief period of relief or rest, related to a pause or delay.

FAQs

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

You can use "short delay" to describe a brief pause or postponement. For example: "The train experienced a "short delay" due to track maintenance."

What are some alternatives to "short delay"?

Some alternatives to "short delay" include "brief pause", "minor setback", or "slight interruption", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "short delay" in formal writing?

Yes, "short delay" is appropriate in formal writing to describe a brief postponement or interruption. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various professional and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "short delay" and "long delay"?

"Short delay" implies a brief interruption or postponement, while "long delay" suggests a more extended period of interruption. Use "short delay" when the expected duration is relatively insignificant; otherwise, use "long delay".