unexpected holdup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected holdup" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where something is delayed or obstructed unexpectedly. For example, "We experienced an unexpected holdup on our way to the meeting." Alternative expressions include "unforeseen delay" and "surprise setback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead he ran into an unexpected holdup with Dun & Bradstreet, the small-company credit rater.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Moreover, at the higher temperatures there are unexpected and very significant differences between the gas holdup achieved by the different agitators.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

The holdup?

The New York Times - Arts

What is the holdup?

The New York Times

Esto Es Holdup?

The New York Times

What's the holdup?

The New York Times - Magazine

What's the holdup, huh?

The New Yorker

And what was the holdup?

The New York Times

So what's the holdup?

The New York Times

That's what the holdup has been.

The New York Times

I didn't cause a holdup.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpected holdup", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being delayed and why the delay was unforeseen. For example, "The project experienced an "unexpected holdup" due to permit issues".

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected holdup" to describe delays that are common or easily anticipated within a specific field or project. If a delay is a known possibility, it's more accurate to describe it as a "potential" or "anticipated" delay, not an "unexpected" one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected holdup" functions as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies the noun "holdup". It describes a delay or obstruction that was not anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unexpected holdup" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unforeseen delay. While not very common, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and scientific reporting. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples illustrating its meaning. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "unforeseen delay" or "surprise setback". Ensure that the delay truly was unanticipated to use this phrase accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen delay

Replaces "unexpected" with "unforeseen", maintaining the same meaning with slightly different vocabulary.

surprise setback

Substitutes "holdup" with "setback", highlighting the negative impact of the delay.

sudden obstacle

Emphasizes the abrupt nature of the obstruction.

unanticipated hindrance

More formal vocabulary, suggesting a significant impediment.

unexpected snag

A more informal term, implying a minor but unexpected problem.

unforeseen complication

Highlights the complex nature of the problem causing the delay.

surprise impediment

Similar to "sudden obstacle" but slightly more formal.

unexpected complication

Highlights the emergence of a complex situation.

unforeseen hitch

A more casual term, suggesting a minor interruption.

sudden roadblock

Implies a complete stop or significant obstruction.

FAQs

What does "unexpected holdup" mean?

The phrase "unexpected holdup" refers to an unforeseen delay or obstruction that prevents something from progressing as planned. It implies a situation where progress is halted due to circumstances that were not anticipated.

How can I use "unexpected holdup" in a sentence?

You might say, "We encountered an "unexpected holdup" in the negotiations due to a last-minute demand from the other party" or "The construction project faced an "unexpected holdup" because of the sudden shortage of materials".

What are some alternatives to "unexpected holdup"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen delay", "surprise setback", or "unanticipated hindrance" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "unexpected holdup" since a holdup is generally unplanned?

While a "holdup" typically implies an unplanned event, using "unexpected" emphasizes that the delay was particularly surprising or that steps had been taken to prevent such delays, making it a valid and useful descriptor.