sought to delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sought to delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an attempt or effort to postpone or hinder something. Example: "The committee sought to delay the decision until further evidence could be gathered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sided with Mr. Labastida and Mr. Cardenas, who sought to delay the formal face-off.

The New York Times

Yesterday, Mr. Smith's lawyers made a startling argument as they sought to delay the trial.

The New York Times

Some members of Congress had sought to delay a decision until further studies were completed.

The New York Times

The U.S., still brokering, sought to delay the shameful vote until passions cooled.

The New York Times

Many Silicon Valley companies have sought to delay public offerings for as long as possible.

The New York Times

The E.P.A. had initially sought to delay the rule-making until next year.

The New York Times

Industry lobbyists also sought to delay when the rules would take effect.

The New York Times

Trump has also sought to delay a civil fraud trial into one of his businesses until after his inauguration.

The Guardian

Carnival has sought to delay the vote and give antitrust regulators a chance to rule on both deals.

The New York Times

But it has sought to delay meetings at which its planning applications are decided while revised statements are put forward.

The Guardian

When the Nixon administration took office, it sought to delay school desegregation plans reached under former President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sought to delay", ensure the context clearly indicates who was attempting the delay and what they were trying to delay. Specificity enhances clarity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

While "sought to delay" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "tried to put off" or "tried to postpone" for a more casual tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sought to delay" functions as a verb phrase indicating an effort or attempt to postpone or impede something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely usable. It connects a subject's action with the intention of delaying another action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sought to delay" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes an attempt to postpone or hinder an event. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's widely applicable in written English. Primarily found in news, media, and formal business contexts, it conveys a deliberate effort to defer an action. While "sought to delay" is acceptable, considering alternatives like "tried to postpone" or "attempted to defer" can provide a more nuanced or casual tone, depending on the specific context. Remember to be clear about who is attempting the delay and what is being delayed to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought to hinder

Directly conveys the intention to create difficulties or obstacles.

tried to postpone

Focuses on the attempt to put something off until a later time.

attempted to defer

Highlights the effort made to delay an action or decision.

sought to table

Implies an effort to put something aside for future consideration, effectively delaying it.

aimed to forestall

Emphasizes the intention to prevent something from happening by acting in advance.

tried to protract

Focuses on extending the duration of something, often to delay an outcome.

endeavored to impede

Stresses the effort to obstruct or hinder progress.

moved to shelve

Indicates an attempt to put something aside indefinitely, delaying or potentially preventing its consideration.

worked to obstruct

Highlights the active effort to block or prevent something.

looked to adjourn

Suggests seeking a temporary suspension or postponement.

FAQs

What does "sought to delay" mean?

The phrase "sought to delay" means someone tried or attempted to postpone or prevent something from happening immediately. It implies an effort to create a time gap or obstruction.

Is "sought to delay" formal or informal?

The phrase "sought to delay" tends to be more formal. In more casual settings, you might prefer alternatives like "tried to put off" or "tried to postpone".

What are some alternatives to "sought to delay"?

Some alternatives include "tried to postpone", "attempted to defer", or "aimed to forestall". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "sought to delay" in a sentence?

Example: "The defense "sought to delay" the trial to gather more evidence." This shows an active attempt to postpone the proceedings.