we are delayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'we are delayed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to inform someone that you will not be arriving at a certain time. For example, "We are sorry to inform you that we are delayed and will not be arriving until 4 pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Don't believe anyone telling you we are delayed again.

The New York Times

We are delayed because there is a person on the tracks".

The New York Times

After a moment, a familiar announcement came over the P.A.: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are delayed because of train traffic ahead of us".

The New Yorker

(Unruly person on board? Refer to announcement 4: "Ladies and gentleman, this is the conductor. We are delayed because of a disturbance on the train. We are investigating").

The New York Times

There came a familiar, inexplicably cheerful recorded announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are delayed because of train traffic ahead of us".

The New Yorker

We ourself always take a gander around us when we are delayed by traffic lights, and this sign reminds us to do it more attentively.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"We are delaying this campaign until we finish this database".

The New York Times

"We are delaying some of the more ambitious requirements," Dr. Blumenthal said.

The New York Times

That's why we are delaying key decisions on reforms, both on basic and secondary education, and higher education.

The New York Times

"We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster," said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris.

The Guardian

We are delaying it until we have more safeguards in place.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating a delay, be as specific as possible about the expected new arrival time or the reason for the delay. For example: "We are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and expect to arrive by 5 PM."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "we are delayed" without providing any context or estimated time of arrival. This can cause frustration. Instead, give specifics about the reason and expected duration of the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are delayed" functions as a statement of fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It typically serves as a notification or announcement, informing someone about a current setback or postponement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are delayed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a setback or postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as formal business communication. When using this phrase, it is best practice to provide specific details about the reason for the delay and an estimated time of arrival or resolution. Alternatives like "we are running late" or "we are behind schedule" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are running late

Focuses on the lateness of arrival rather than the reason for it.

we are behind schedule

Highlights the deviation from the planned timeline.

we are experiencing a delay

More formal way to announce a setback.

we are held up

Emphasizes the reason for the delay is external.

we are not on time

Directly states the lack of punctuality.

our arrival is postponed

Focuses on arrival and the fact that has been delayed.

we will be arriving later than expected

Highlights the difference between actual and expected arrival.

we're facing a setback

Indicates a hindrance or obstacle.

we are slowed down

Highlights reduced speed, not complete halt.

our progress is impeded

Highlights the limited advancement.

FAQs

How to use "we are delayed" in a sentence?

You can use "we are delayed" to inform someone that you will not be arriving or completing something on time. For example: "We are delayed due to traffic" or "We are delayed in processing your request".

What can I say instead of "we are delayed"?

You can use alternatives like "we are running late", "we are behind schedule", or "we are experiencing a delay" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we are delayed" or "we have been delayed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but have slightly different meanings. "We are delayed" implies a current state of being delayed, while "we have been delayed" indicates that the delay occurred in the past and may or may not be ongoing.

What's the difference between "we are delayed" and "we are delaying"?

"We are delayed" means that something is causing us to be late. "We are delaying" means that we are causing something else to be late.