this may be delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this may be delayed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something might not happen on time or as scheduled. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, this may be delayed until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

BoC hoped to float on the Hong Kong and possibly a non-Chinese exchange in the first half of this year, but this may be delayed until the autumn, banking sources believe.

The Guardian - Business

HMRC usually sends out tax codings in January, although this may be delayed to February this year.

Independent

In the case of people with life-threatening conditions this may be delayed until after initial management.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

One reason for this may be delays in reaching a diagnosis and beginning treatment.

BMC Anesthesiology

Survival from colorectal cancer in the UK is worse than in many other countries (Gatta et al, 2000a, 2003) One explanation for this may be delays in diagnosis (Gatta et al, 2000b).

British Journal of Cancer

But this appreciation may be delayed.

The New Yorker

This hearing may be delayed because of questions over whether the evidence being given by the US as justification for extradition was acquired illegally.

BBC

An outdoor swimming pool in Essex has become contaminated with asbestos and its opening this season may be delayed while cleaning is carried out.

BBC

However, in prenatally stressed individuals, it has been suggested that this shift may be delayed, which may increase the susceptibility to atopic diseases [ 11].

BMC Veterinary Research

Thus, the overwhelming majority of patients with MM can safely be given MPH-P as first therapy, and this treatment may be delayed in early diseases.

British Journal of Cancer

The single aus sampled is considered a very easy seed releasing variety (average BTS = 18 g, Table 1), yet it also appears to not possess an abscission layer at flowering, suggesting that formation of this layer may be delayed and incomplete.

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this may be delayed" to soften the impact of potential schedule changes, especially when communicating with stakeholders who may be affected. For example, instead of saying "the project is delayed", you can say "the project's completion date may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

Common error

While "this may be delayed" is grammatically sound, excessive use of the passive voice can make your writing seem vague or evasive. When possible, specify who or what is causing the delay to add clarity and accountability. For instance, instead of "the shipment may be delayed", consider "the shipment may be delayed due to inclement weather."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this may be delayed" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or probability that something will be postponed or occur later than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this may be delayed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the possibility of a postponement. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English. It's versatile across different contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, consider clarifying the cause of the potential delay and avoid overusing passive voice to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "this could be postponed" and "this is potentially delayed" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is potentially delayed

Directly states the possibility of a delay without indicating cause.

this could be postponed

Emphasizes the possibility of a formal rescheduling to a later time.

this might be put off

Suggests a less formal postponement, possibly due to inconvenience.

this could be pushed back

Indicates a shift to a later date, often due to external pressures.

this might be held up

Implies a delay caused by obstacles or unforeseen circumstances.

this is subject to postponement

Highlights the conditional nature of the event, making postponement a formal possibility.

this is liable to be deferred

Suggests a probability of delay, often in official or bureaucratic contexts.

a delay is possible

A more general statement indicating the potential for lateness.

it is possible this will be delayed

Adds a layer of uncertainty, making the statement more tentative.

the schedule is subject to change

Focuses on the flexibility of the timetable, implying possible delays.

FAQs

How can I use "this may be delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "this may be delayed" to indicate that something might not happen on time or as scheduled. For example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, this "may be delayed" until next week."

What's the difference between "this may be delayed" and "this will be delayed"?

"This may be delayed" indicates a possibility, while "this will be delayed" confirms that a delay is certain. The first expresses uncertainty, while the second states a fact.

What can I say instead of "this may be delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "this could be postponed", "this might be put off", or "this is potentially delayed" depending on the context.

Is "this may be delayed" formal or informal?

"This may be delayed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a neutral way to express the possibility of a delay.