the delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific postponement or hindrance in a process or event. Example: "The delay in the shipment has caused us to miss our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The delay was understandable.

The New Yorker

The delay is understandable.

The New Yorker

"What's the delay?

The New Yorker

Why the delay?

The New York Times

The delay is inexcusable.

The New York Times

The delay is disturbing.

The New York Times

I apologize for the delay.

The New York Times

The delay could be longer.

The Economist

But the delay is excusable.

The Economist

Let's start with the delay.

The New York Times

"It was worth the delay".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a delay, be specific about its cause and impact. Instead of simply stating "the delay", clarify "the delay in shipping" or "the delay due to weather".

Common error

Avoid using "the delay" without sufficient context. Readers may not understand what is being delayed. Provide specifics, such as "the delay in the project timeline" or "the delay in processing the application".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the delay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of postponement or hindrance. Examples from Ludwig indicate its use in contexts where a particular delay is being discussed or analyzed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the delay" is a common and grammatically sound phrase primarily used as a noun phrase to refer to a specific instance of postponement or hindrance. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its prevalence in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using "the delay", ensure to provide adequate context to avoid ambiguity and specify the cause or impact. Alternatives such as "the postponement" or "the holdup" can be considered for stylistic variation, and that according to Ludwig AI the expression is perfectly valid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the postponement

Replaces "delay" with a direct synonym emphasizing the act of putting something off.

the holdup

Uses a more informal term to describe the cause of being delayed.

the hold-up

An alternative writing of "the holdup".

the setback

Indicates an event that delays progress but is not necessarily a complete stop.

the impediment

Highlights an obstruction causing delay rather than the delay itself.

the hindrance

Similar to "impediment", focusing on the act of slowing down or preventing progress.

the waiting period

Emphasizes the time spent waiting due to a delay.

the waiting time

Emphasizes the time spent waiting due to a delay.

the disruption

Focuses on the disturbance or interruption that causes the delay.

the interruption

Highlights the break in continuity causing delay.

FAQs

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

You can use "the delay" to refer to a specific postponement or hindrance. For example: "The delay in the shipment caused us to miss our deadline."

What are some alternatives to "the delay"?

You can use alternatives like "the postponement", "the holdup", or "the setback depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the delay is because" or "the delay is due to"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "the delay is due to" is generally considered more formal. "The delay is because of technical issues" is grammatically correct, but "the delay is due to technical issues" is often preferred in formal writing.

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

"The delay" refers to a specific, previously mentioned, or understood delay. "A delay" refers to a delay in general or introduces a new delay. For example, "A delay occurred during the process, and the cause of "the delay" is still under investigation."