cause a delay vs lead to a delay

Both "cause a delay" and "lead to a delay" are correct phrases that can be used interchangeably. They both convey the idea that something results in a delay. The choice between the two can depend on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 4632 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is the reason for a delay.

"cause a delay"

This phrase is used to explain that a particular action or event is responsible for a delay in a process or schedule.

Examples:

The heavy traffic caused a delay in our arrival.
Technical issues caused a delay in the project timeline.

Show examples from the web [+]

The treadmill was drawing just enough power to cause a delay in our network.
We hope that the campaign period will not cause a delay in carrying out the necessary reforms.
How likely is it that the above disagreement will cause a delay?
Therefore we do not want to cause a delay now, although we are of the opinion that it is necessary for this amendment, introduced by us, to be adopted.
...it causes a delay of the aging... ...making possible to deceive the death.
This will cause a significant delay in our schedule.
I must say that the preparatory and construction measures have always been based on the agreed lines, and that to deviate from that initial approach would cause a significant delay in the development of the project itself.
This will cause a minimum delay of three months in decisions and the two people responsible for administering the programmes will have to generate 70, 000 extra pages of paperwork a year - 70, 000 - this is madness!
As will be further discussed in paragraph 39, problems with procurement have been a major cause of delays in the implementation of projects.
That in itself cannot be a cause to delay Romanian and Bulgarian accession any further, although there is a case to be made for invoking the one-year safeguard clauses in regard to particular chapters such as justice and home affairs.
It was just meant to cause delays and scare off the investors.
Invariably they cause delays as much as air traffic.
Too many committees cause delays and, ultimately, confusion.
A lack of finance for this process could cause delay and potential safety risks.
The work is complex and quality controls led to new analysis of some of the parcels which causes delays.
All this causes delays which naturally lead to fraud.
One of the worst aspects has been the effects of port blockades which cause delays.
The method by which documents are sent to the Commission can also cause delay.
The EESC takes a negative view of this compartmentalisation by the Commission, as two separate legislative measures constitute a waste of procedural resources and could cause delays in securing a single regulation.
market, or cause delays which might impair their quality.

Alternatives:

resulted in a delay
brought about a delay
contributed to a delay
brought on a delay
led to a delay

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something results in a delay.

"lead to a delay"

This phrase is used to suggest that a particular action or event has resulted in a delay in a process or schedule.

Examples:

The strike led to a delay in the delivery of the goods.
The bad weather conditions led to a delay in the construction work.

Show examples from the web [+]

The requesting of this certificate shall not lead to a delay in accommodating a ship in distress.
The act of requesting this certificate shall not lead to a delay in accommodating a ship in distress.
The act of requesting the certificate shall not lead to a delay in accommodating a ship in need of assistance.
The requesting of this certificate shall not lead to a delay in accommodating a ship in distress
The act of requesting the certificate shall not lead to a delay in accommodating the ship.
The act of requesting the certificate shall not lead to a delay in accommodating a ship in need of assistance.
In-between, it could lead to a delay in the release of new features.
Therefore, adoption of the text per 1 January 2007 would anyway lead to a delay in the implementation of the programmes.
It is clear that any change in the original decisions may lead to a delay in the implementation of the LEADER initiative.
However, the negotiation of supply contracts for graphite electrodes for periods of 6 to 12 months can lead to a delay in the effect of any change (increase or decrease) in demand on prices.
However, the negotiation of supply contracts for graphite electrodes for periods of 6 to 12 months can lead to a delay in the effect of any change (increase or decrease) in demand on prices.
Employment in R%amp%D companies might be affected, if mutual recognition would lead to a delay in authorisation. However, experience in Member States currently applying mutual recognition does not indicate a risk for major delays.

Alternatives:

caused a delay
resulted in a delay
brought about a delay
contributed to a delay
brought on a delay

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

cause a delay vs lead to a delay

"cause a delay"

"lead to a delay"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text