sorry for delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"sorry for delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to apologize for not responding or completing something in a timely manner. Example: I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Sorry for the delay.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Said he was sorry for delay and in view of circumstances was sending Infant Care.

The New Yorker

Sorry for delay.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The spokeswoman said that Flybe was sorry for delaying their customers but added that the airline had to ensure all their planes were safe.

The Guardian

Sorry for the delay, Alain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We are sorry for the delay".

The New York Times

Sorry for the delay in getting back with you.

MIT Technology Review

We are sorry for the delay to our customers' journeys".

The Guardian

A voice on the loudspeaker said "We are sorry for the delay," in two languages, neither of them Russian.

The New York Times

"Sorry for the delay," he invariably apologizes as he brings food maybe two minutes after you've ordered.

The New York Times - Arts

5.05pm: I'm sorry for the delay in recent updates – we've had a few production problems this afternoon.

The Guardian

"London Underground, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway are accepting Southeastern tickets on reasonable routes.​" "We are sorry for the delay to your journey today".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up with a solution or timeline to show you're actively addressing the delay.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "sorry for delay" without providing context or a solution. This can come across as insincere. Always add information or a course of action to mitigate the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry for delay" functions as a polite apology for a lapse in time or a delayed action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase. The primary purpose is to acknowledge and express regret for the delay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorry for delay" is a common and generally acceptable way to apologize for lateness, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is used in various contexts, especially in news media and academia, with a neutral to informal tone. While grammatically correct, in formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "apologies for the delay". Always aim to add context or a solution when using the phrase to demonstrate sincerity and show that you are actively addressing the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are sorry for the delay

More formal, often used by companies.

apologies for the delay

A more formal way to express regret for the delay.

my apologies for the delay

A personal and slightly more formal expression.

regret the delay

A slightly more formal expression of regret.

i regret the delay

Expresses personal regret for the delay.

sorry for the inconvenience

Focuses on the trouble caused by the delay.

apologize for the lateness

Specifically addresses being late.

excuse the delay

A request for understanding about the delay.

pardon the delay

A slightly old-fashioned way of asking for forgiveness for the delay.

forgive the delay

Implies a request for forgiveness.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "sorry for delay"?

You can use phrases like "apologies for the delay" or "we apologize for the delay" in more formal settings.

Is it okay to use "sorry for delay" in professional emails?

Yes, it's acceptable, but consider using a slightly more formal alternative like "my apologies for the delay" or providing a brief explanation for the delay.

What can I say instead of "sorry for delay" when the delay was unintentional?

You can say "I regret the delay" or "I didn't mean to delay" to emphasize that the delay wasn't intentional.

How to use "sorry for delay" in a sentence?

You can use it at the beginning of a sentence, like "Sorry for the delay in responding to your email" or "Sorry for the delay, but the report is now ready".