slightly delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe something that is running or arriving a little behind schedule. For example, "The train was slightly delayed, so the arrival time was pushed back by 10 minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The conclusion was slightly delayed by Smith's defiant hitting.

Independent

Clients, he said, have been very understanding that their money may have been slightly delayed.

The New York Times

Its opening has been slightly delayed, but this will soon be forgotten.

The Guardian - Arts

What distinguishes the beat in jazz is that it is slightly delayed.

The Economist

Even the announcement of the Cannes lineup on Wednesday was slightly delayed by protests in the morning.

The New York Times

Other correctional officers trying to enter 10 South may have been slightly delayed by the tight security in effect.

The New York Times

My order was slightly delayed and a member of staff kindly offered a drink while I waited.

The Guardian - Money

If all our senses are slightly delayed, we have no context by which to measure a given lag.

The New Yorker

(Microphones attached to the musicians enable individual sounds to be recorded, slightly delayed, then dispatched to various loudspeakers).

The New York Times - Arts

Her sermonizing about being a messiah for society's outcasts turned into a harangue about her own slightly delayed superstardom.

The New York Times - Arts

Sailings were slightly delayed because of the volume of traffic, but spaces were still available in both directions.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly delayed", provide context about the expected timeframe and the reason for the delay to maintain transparency and manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of the delay. "Slightly delayed" implies a minor issue; using stronger language when it's unwarranted can cause unnecessary concern or distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly delayed" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the extent or degree of the delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly delayed" is a common and correct phrase used to describe minor postponements or being a bit behind schedule. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across different contexts. The analysis reveals that its communicative purpose is to inform about a small delay and manage expectations. When writing, provide adequate context and avoid exaggerating the impact of the delay. Remember that there are many options you can use instead of the expression in exam, alternatives like "just delayed" or "somewhat delayed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just delayed

Indicates a minimal amount of delay; emphasizes the brevity of the postponement.

somewhat delayed

Implies a moderate level of delay, suggesting a more noticeable impact on timing.

partially delayed

Highlights that only a part of the process or event is affected by the delay.

a bit behind schedule

Uses a more conversational tone to describe the delay relative to a planned timeline.

running a little late

Describes a delay in terms of progress relative to a scheduled time.

experiencing a minor setback

Focuses on the delay as a small obstacle or impediment to progress.

subject to a small postponement

Formally indicates a brief delay in an event or activity.

pushed back a little

Indicates that the timing has been moved later, but not significantly.

held up briefly

Implies a temporary delay caused by an unforeseen issue.

in a state of mild deferment

Emphasizes a temporary suspension or delay to a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly delayed" to indicate a minor postponement or being a bit behind schedule. For instance, "The train is "slightly delayed" due to track maintenance".

What phrases are similar to "slightly delayed"?

Alternatives include "just delayed", "somewhat delayed", or "a bit behind schedule", offering varying degrees of formality and impact.

Is it correct to say "slight delayed" instead of "slightly delayed"?

No, "slight delayed" is grammatically incorrect. The adverb "slightly" modifies the adjective "delayed", indicating the degree of delay. "Slight" is an adjective and doesn't properly modify another adjective in this context.

What's the difference between "slightly delayed" and "significantly delayed"?

"Slightly delayed" implies a minor, often inconsequential delay, while "significantly delayed" suggests a more substantial and impactful postponement. The choice depends on the actual extent of the delay.