some delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"some delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a period of time in which something is being held back or delayed from happening. For example: "The shipment was delayed due to some unexpected complications, resulting in some delay on the part of the delivery company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some delay accepting what's happened.

Independent

Some delay is inevitable.

The New York Times - Health

I allowed for some delay".

The Guardian

Yet, even utilities that use PGA's often encounter some delay.

Cornell University

Some delay is created when calls travel through undersea cables.

The New York Times - Tech

After some delay, his parole was granted in 1992.

The New York Times

"What I'm assuming is that the volume caused some delay.

The New York Times

They have not been able to complete their work and there will be some delay.

Yale University

In particular, repeat this whole process after some delay -- a day or two is best.

University of California, Berkeley

Some delay is occurring in the (usually) sporting activity which is the main television event.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can get most television shows — after some delay — on DVD or from an Internet site.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about projects or timelines, use "some delay" to acknowledge minor setbacks without overstating the impact. For example, "We anticipate some delay in the delivery of the final report."

Common error

Be mindful of the subtle difference between "some delay" and "a delay". "Some delay" implies a nonspecific, often minor, amount of time, whereas "a delay" suggests a more significant or defined period. Using the wrong phrase can unintentionally misrepresent the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a situation where something is being postponed or slowed down to some extent. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some delay" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that indicates a minor postponement or setback. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage. It finds application in news media, academic writing, and scientific discourse alike, adopting a neutral to professional tone, yet it remains adaptable to diverse contexts.

When employing "some delay", bear in mind it signals only a minor setback. Consider alternatives such as "some slowness" or "slight delay" depending on the situation to properly portray the severity of delay.

Given its ubiquity, particularly in formal communications, mastering its precise application and potential substitutes enriches one's communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some postponement

Highlights the act of delaying to a later time.

some lag

Highlights a period of inactivity or slower progress.

some slowness

Emphasizes the gradual pace rather than a complete stop.

some tardiness

Focuses on being late or behind schedule.

some retard

Suggests a slowing down or impeding of progress.

some slippage

Implies a failure to meet deadlines or schedules.

some backlog

Indicates an accumulation of tasks or items waiting to be processed.

some respite

Indicates a brief break or interruption.

some hesitation

Emphasizes a pause or reluctance before acting.

some procrastination

Highlights the act of delaying or postponing tasks unnecessarily.

FAQs

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

You can use "some delay" to indicate a slight postponement or a minor setback. For example: "There might be "some delay" in processing your application due to the high volume of submissions."

What's the difference between "some delay" and "a delay"?

"Some delay" refers to an unspecified amount of postponement, often minor, while "a delay" suggests a more specific or significant period of time. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

What are some alternatives to saying "some delay"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "some slowness", "some postponement", or "slight delay".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "some delay"?

It's appropriate to use "some delay" when you want to acknowledge that something is running behind schedule but without implying a major issue. It is a common expression used in formal communications, for instance in business, news, science or academia.