there is a delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is taking longer than expected, or will take longer than originally anticipated. For example, "There is a delay in shipping the new product, so it won't be available until next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We find that when they are both less than unity there is a delay or even absence of engulfment even when Re is increased.

Chemical Engineering Science

Notice that because the different detector position there is a delay in RA-signal.

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry

Often times there is a delay between hard work and the reward.

Huffington Post

But there is a delay.

The Guardian

There is a delay in displaying the screen.

The Guardian - Tech

In addition, there is a delay while the home page "loads" into the computer.

Harvard University

Warning: there is a delay in updates to this site, at least 1 month.

Columbia University

There is a delay here and a delay there, but that is par for the course.

The New York Times

"The Environment Vice-Ministry has been written to asking why there is a delay.

The Guardian

And if there is a delay, let me assure you it is not from our side".

The New York Times

If there is a delay, first ring to see what has happened.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a delay", clearly state the cause and expected duration of the delay to manage expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a delay" without specifying what is being delayed. Always provide context to ensure clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a delay" functions as an existential clause introducing the presence of a delay. It is used to inform or notify someone about a postponement or slowing down of an event, process, or action, as illustrated in many of Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is a delay" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is being postponed or is taking longer than expected. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific publications and academic papers. While it's generally neutral in tone, its formality can be adjusted based on the surrounding language. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify what is being delayed and, if possible, provide a reason and estimated duration. Consider alternatives like ""there is a postponement"" or ""something is running behind schedule"" to suit the specific tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is a postponement

Replaces 'delay' with a more formal synonym, indicating a planned rescheduling.

something is running behind schedule

Indicates that an event or process is not progressing as planned and is late.

there is a hold-up

Suggests a temporary obstruction causing the delay, often implying an unexpected issue.

something has been deferred

Replaces 'delay' with a more formal term suggesting a conscious decision to postpone.

things are running late

Similar to 'running behind schedule' but more casual.

there is a setback

Implies a reversal or impediment to progress, causing the delay.

it's been pushed back

Indicates the event has been moved to a later date.

something is held up

Shifts the focus to the item being delayed rather than stating the existence of a delay.

there's a lag

Uses a more informal term, 'lag', to indicate a delay, often in technical contexts.

there is a slowing down

Emphasizes the process of becoming slower rather than a complete stop.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a delay" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a delay" to indicate that something is being postponed or is taking longer than expected. For example, "There is a delay in the project's completion due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to saying "there is a delay"?

Alternatives include phrases like "there is a postponement", "something is running behind schedule", or "it's been pushed back", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "there is a delay" or "something is running late"?

"There is a delay" is generally considered more formal than "things are running late", which is more casual. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your communication.

What's the difference between "there is a delay" and "there is a setback"?

"There is a delay" simply indicates that something is taking longer than expected. "There is a setback" implies that something has hindered progress, causing the delay.