so as not to delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so as not to delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of completing something quickly or on time. For example, "He ran to the store so as not to delay in making dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We needed something that could be produced quickly for each edition, so as not to delay distribution of the paper.

The Guardian

Tissue is retained for examination to allow the patient to be released into the care of funeral director so as not to delay funeral arrangements.

Yale University

The GP says that, so as not to delay things, he's faxing the referral to neurosurgery right away for urgent attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because of the family's objections, the board decided recently to postpone the decision on the memorial so as not to delay a vote on the other elements of the plan.

The New York Times

The "autonomous" characteristic comes from the fact that rescuers should not have to concern themselves about these objects: they should perform their mission autonomously so as not to delay the intervention of the rescuers, but rather to assist them efficiently and reliably.

Wireless Public Safety Networks 3 Applications and Uses

"If you'd like to have a drink at the bar," said the person answering the telephone at Mas the other afternoon, apropos of nothing, after taking a reservation for the next evening, "we suggest you arrive 20 minutes early, so as not to delay your reservation time".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

So as not to forfeit or delay customer orders, plant managers and workers figured out how to double the production on the remaining line to make up the difference.

Forbes

Participants choosing to review the transcripts will be asked to do so within a 10-day period so as not to cause delays to the analysis and completion of the project.

BMJ Open

'The secretary of the treasury may prescribe rules for inspection along the borders of Canada, British Columbia, and Mexico, so as not to obstruct or unnecessarily delay, impede, or annoy passengers in ordinary travel between said countries: provided, that not exceeding one inspector shall be appointed for each customs district, and whose salary shall not exceed twelve hundred dollars per year.

Cornell University

San Lorenzo beat Villa Dálmine 2-1 to ensure that the four members of the Big Five who have played so far are all through to the next round; Boca Juniors won't play their match against Santamarina, in Salta, until the new year, having been given permission to delay it so as not to get in the way of their league title run-in (yes, seriously).

The Guardian - Sport

Thinking that we would like to delay our purchase so as not to take a package into the restaurant, I asked in my limited French what time the supermarket closed.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so as not to delay" when prioritizing efficiency and timeliness. It clearly signals that an action is being taken to prevent holdups or setbacks.

Common error

While "so as not to delay" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in informal writing. Simpler phrases like "to avoid delaying" or "to not delay" might be more appropriate in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as not to delay" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, modifying a verb to explain the reason for the action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "so as not to delay" serves as an adverbial phrase expressing the purpose of preventing lateness or setbacks. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains, primarily in news, academia, and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, its formal tone might not always be suitable for casual writing. Alternatives like "to avoid delaying" offer simpler options for informal settings. Overall, "so as not to delay" is a useful connector when prioritizing efficiency and clarity in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to avoid delaying

Uses "in order to avoid" to convey the purpose of preventing delay, adding a slightly more formal tone.

to prevent any delay

Emphasizes preventing any occurrence of delay, focusing on avoidance.

so there isn't a delay

Simplifies the structure to a more direct causal statement.

in an effort to not delay

Highlights the active attempt to prevent delay, adding a sense of striving.

with the aim of avoiding delay

Similar to "in order to avoid", but specifies the aim or goal more explicitly.

to ensure no delay occurs

Focuses on guaranteeing the absence of delay, adding emphasis on certainty.

to not cause any delays

Shifts the focus to preventing the action of causing delays, rather than the state of delay itself.

expediting matters to preclude delay

Uses more formal vocabulary to express hastening a process to prevent delay.

acting promptly to avert delay

Implies quick action to avoid delay, emphasizing speed and directness.

taking swift action to forestall any lag

Similar to acting promptly, but uses more sophisticated vocabulary.

FAQs

What does "so as not to delay" mean?

The phrase "so as not to delay" means in order to prevent something from being late or taking longer than necessary.

How can I use "so as not to delay" in a sentence?

You can use "so as not to delay" to explain the reason for taking a specific action. For example, "The doctor faxed the referral immediately "so as not to delay" treatment".

What are some alternatives to "so as not to delay"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to avoid delaying", "in order to prevent any delay", or "to ensure no delay occurs".

Is it more formal to use "so as not to delay" or "in order to not delay"?

Both "so as not to delay" and "in order to not delay" are relatively formal. "So as to" is often considered slightly more elevated in tone compared to "in order to".