delay
A situation where something happens later than planned or expected. It often refers to a period of time that you must wait because a train, plane, or event is not on time.
Examples
3 of 5There is a 20-minute delay on the train to London.
The train to London is 20 minutes late.
We regret to inform you of a delay regarding your flight.
We are sorry to tell you that your flight is late.
Sorry for the delay, I got stuck in traffic!
Sorry I'm late, there were too many cars on the road!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'D' in Delay stands for 'Down' time—time where you are not moving or making progress.
Quick Quiz
The pilot said there is a one-hour ____ because of the snow.
Correct!
The correct answer is: delay
Examples
There is a 20-minute delay on the train to London.
everydayThe train to London is 20 minutes late.
We regret to inform you of a delay regarding your flight.
formalWe are sorry to tell you that your flight is late.
Sorry for the delay, I got stuck in traffic!
informalSorry I'm late, there were too many cars on the road!
The delay in data collection impacted the final results.
academicWaiting for the information changed the final outcome of the study.
Please notify the client if there is any delay in the shipment.
businessTell the customer if the goods will be sent late.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Sorry for the delay
An apology for being late or making someone wait
Due to a technical delay
Because of a machine or computer problem making things late
Without further delay
Starting something immediately without waiting any longer
Often Confused With
To delay means something is late; to postpone is a deliberate decision to move an event to a later time.
Usage Notes
As a noun, it is countable. You can have 'a delay' or 'many delays'. It is very common in travel announcements.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I am delay' instead of 'I am delayed' or 'There is a delay'. Remember that 'delay' is the thing, and 'delayed' describes how you feel or the status of the transport.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'D' in Delay stands for 'Down' time—time where you are not moving or making progress.
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'delaier', meaning to put off or defer.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many countries, complaining about train or flight delays is a common way to start a conversation with strangers.
Quick Quiz
The pilot said there is a one-hour ____ because of the snow.
Correct!
The correct answer is: delay
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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bed
A1A piece of furniture that you sleep on, typically consisting of a mattress on a frame. In the context of travel, it refers to the sleeping accommodation provided in a hotel or hostel.
check-out
A1The act of leaving a hotel or similar place after paying the bill and returning the room key. It can also refer to the area in a store where you pay for your items.
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towel
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island
A1An island is a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water on all sides. It can be located in an ocean, sea, lake, or river and is smaller than a continent.
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