will be retarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be retarded" is grammatically correct but may be considered offensive or outdated in certain contexts.
It can be used in a technical or medical context to describe a delay in development or progress, but caution is advised due to its potential to offend. Example: "The project will be retarded due to unforeseen circumstances that have impacted our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Some debtors may be helped, but the national recovery as a whole will be retarded.

The Guardian - Opinion

So anodic reactions will be retarded.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Importantly, a non-zero K d was observed in all samples, suggesting that 129I transport will be retarded.

Geochemical Transactions

However, deformation twinning will be retarded during indentation due to the high stress intensity caused by stepped surface of Ni tip.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In either case, if the liquid and gas are flowing concurrently, it will increase the effective bubble rise velocity, or if the flow is countercurrent, then the bubble rise will be retarded by this flow.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Therefore, the formation of the product [structure (g)] through path (II), (III), and (IV) will be retarded by 39.801, 65.436, and 65.436 kcal/mol respectively relative to path (I).

Chemistry Central Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

His father, President John F. Kennedy, kept asking them, "Will he be retarded?," one of the doctors said.

The New York Times - Health

But the incentive for their development is the prospect of increasingly scarce and expensive oil, and this will only be retarded by the continued focus on developing new supply.

Huffington Post

number less than 75 to be retarded".

The New York Times - Books

But if the movement is retarded it must necessarily be retarded for an infinite time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Plus, there is already a vague sense this is all somehow beneath them already – that these fragile upstart talents will be flummoxed, retarded, fatally confused by the experience of playing in challenging tournament conditions against the best in Europe.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context before using the phrase "will be retarded". In many contemporary settings, it's advisable to opt for alternatives like "will be delayed" or "will be hindered" to avoid causing offense.

Common error

Avoid using "will be retarded" in general conversation or informal writing. Due to its historical association with derogatory language toward individuals with intellectual disabilities, its use can be deeply offensive, regardless of intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be retarded" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something's progress or development is expected to be slowed down or hindered. Ludwig AI notes its potential for causing offense, even when used in a technical sense.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "will be retarded" carries significant risk of causing offense due to its historical association with derogatory language, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. Its use is primarily confined to technical or scientific contexts, where a specific, non-offensive meaning is intended. However, even in these scenarios, alternatives such as "will be delayed", "will be hindered", or "will be slowed down" are generally preferable to ensure clarity and sensitivity. When writing or speaking, always consider the potential impact of your language on your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be delayed

This alternative suggests a postponement or rescheduling, focusing on time rather than impediment.

will be hindered

This implies an obstruction or difficulty in progressing, emphasizing an external force causing the slowdown.

will be slowed down

This clearly indicates a reduction in speed or pace, suitable when discussing processes or progress.

will be impeded

This suggests something is obstructing the path or progress, similar to 'hindered' but perhaps with a stronger sense of blockage.

will be held back

This conveys a sense of being restrained or prevented from advancing.

will be hampered

This suggests difficulties are being placed in the way, making progress awkward or challenging.

will experience setbacks

This indicates the occurrence of temporary failures or reversals in progress.

will face obstacles

This highlights the presence of challenges that must be overcome, focusing on confrontation with difficulties.

will be adversely affected

This expresses a negative impact, indicating a less favorable outcome due to certain conditions.

will not progress as quickly

This focuses on the reduced speed of advancement, emphasizing the time aspect of the slowdown.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "will be retarded"?

While grammatically correct, the phrase "will be retarded" is increasingly considered insensitive. It may be acceptable in highly technical contexts where a specific scientific meaning is intended and no suitable alternative exists, but consider using phrases like "will be delayed" or "will be hindered".

What are some less offensive alternatives to "will be retarded"?

Depending on the context, alternatives such as "will be delayed", "will be slowed", or "will be impeded" can effectively convey the intended meaning without the risk of causing offense.

How has the meaning of "retarded" changed over time?

Originally a medical term, "retarded" has been widely used in a derogatory manner to refer to individuals with intellectual disabilities. This has led to its stigmatization, making its use generally unacceptable in modern discourse.

Is "will be retarded" ever appropriate in medical or scientific writing?

While technically permissible in some scientific contexts, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of the language. Using alternative phrasing, such as "delayed development" or "impaired progression", may be preferable to ensure clarity and sensitivity.