substantial delay

USAGE SUMMARY

'substantial delay' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe an event or occurrence that has been significantly and noticeably delayed. For example, "The construction project was delayed by a substantial amount of time due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At a minimum, there is a substantial delay of the onset of the disease," says Biffi.

MIT Technology Review

"The substantial delay in Gupta's trial without public explanation suggests that's what's likely going on here".

The New York Times

In this case, the substantial delay in the worsening of cancer did not seem to translate into longer life.

The New York Times

Local extinction of species can occur with a substantial delay following habitat loss or degradation.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

After a substantial delay, the trial began in 2008 but was suspended in 2011 when he as diagnosed with cancer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Experimental results on industrial circuits show that the algorithm leads to substantial delay reduction and effective crosstalk elimination.

Integration, the VLSI Journal

I don't accept for one moment that we were guilty of the substantial delay with which we seem to have been saddled.

The Guardian

There has not been a substantial delay of other Grand Theft Auto games in the past, said a company spokesman, Edward Nebb.

The New York Times - Tech

Whereas traditional dengue data from official sources are often not available until after some substantial delay, web search query data are available in near real-time.

Harvard University

One caravan of repair trucks from Connecticut got stuck in a giant traffic jam Sunday on the New Jersey Turnpike and faced a substantial delay in arrival.

The Washington Post

The two live-chilled groups showed a substantial delay in time to onset of rigor mortis, and had a lower maximum rigor score than untreated and crowded groups.

Aquaculture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial delay", consider the audience and context. In formal writing, it conveys a serious impediment, while in informal settings, it simply indicates a significant hold-up. Choose synonyms based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial delay" for minor inconveniences. The phrase suggests a significant setback. For less impactful delays, consider using "slight delay" or "minor setback" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant postponement or hold-up. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

37%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial delay" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a significant postponement or hold-up. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across diverse fields, particularly in science, news media, and academia. Alternatives like "significant postponement" or "considerable holdup" may be used depending on the desired nuance. However, caution should be exercised to avoid using it for minor inconveniences. The phrase's neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for professional and objective communication. With numerous examples available, mastering the usage of "substantial delay" is essential for effective communication in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant postponement

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the delay; it's a more formal alternative.

considerable holdup

Highlights the obstruction or impediment caused by the delay; implies something is being held back.

extensive lag

Focuses on the duration or length of the delay, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

major setback

Highlights the negative impact or consequence of the delay on progress or goals.

protracted deferment

Implies a drawn-out or extended delay, often in formal or legal settings.

notable deferral

Draws attention to the delay as being worthy of notice or observation.

serious interruption

Highlights the disruptive nature of the delay; it suggests a break in continuity.

appreciable lengthening

Focuses on the increase in time or duration caused by the delay, emphasizing the measurable aspect.

marked retardation

Suggests a slowing down or hindrance of progress due to the delay; often used in scientific or technical contexts.

significant waiting period

Emphasizes the time spent waiting as a result of the delay, framing it from the perspective of someone experiencing the delay.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial delay" to describe a significant hold-up or setback in a project, process, or event. For instance, "The project experienced a "substantial delay" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to saying "substantial delay"?

Alternatives include "significant postponement", "considerable holdup", or "extensive lag", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "considerable delay" the same as "substantial delay"?

While "considerable delay" and "substantial delay" are similar, "substantial" often implies a more significant or impactful delay. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to place on the delay's severity.

What causes a "substantial delay"?

A "substantial delay" can be caused by various factors, such as unforeseen circumstances, technical difficulties, resource constraints, or external events like natural disasters or regulatory hurdles. The impact of these factors results in a significant extension of the expected timeframe.