delay

The word "delay" can be used as a verb or as a noun when describing a situation in which something or someone is late. In fact, "delay" has a similar meaning to the adjective "late," but you can’t use "late" as a verb or as a noun.

• My flight was delayed for about two hours. (The plane was late. This sentence is in the passive voice. "Delay" is often used in the passive voice.)
• I’m sorry I’m late. I was delayed by traffic.
• You should expect to be delayed if you drive on a highway where there’s a lot of construction.
• They’re going to delay their wedding until next year. (delay = put off; postpone)
• Don’t delay. Try to make a decision now.

All of these sentences use "delay" as a noun:

• There was a 30-minute delay during the game because of rain.
• Highway construction causes big delays during rush hour.
• Now that the problem has been solved, there should be no further delay.
• A big snowstorm created delays at the airport.
• If you order now, there won’t be any delay.

Road construction causes delays for commuters.

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July 23, 2014