delay vs delayed

Both 'delay' and 'delayed' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Delay' is a verb that means to postpone or put off, while 'delayed' is the past tense or past participle form of the verb 'delay'. The choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to the action of postponing something or describing something that has already been postponed.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1596 views

The word 'delay' is a verb that means to postpone or put off.

"delay"

Use 'delay' when you want to refer to the action of postponing something. For example, 'We need to delay the meeting until next week.'

Examples:

Please don't delay your decision any longer.
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
They decided to delay the project until they had more information.
The train was delayed by an hour.
We can't afford to delay any further.

Show examples from the web [+]

Please accept our sincere apology for the delay.
Three-hour delay and a completely full flight.
The fates conspired towards unfortunate delay.
There is a 30-second streaming delay.
The slightest delay can shift political balances.
Orbán repeatedly criticized the EU for its delay.
Time delay for reverse running: 0.2s...
Low birth weight and generalized growth delay are sometimes observed.
Instant screenshots feature (no 1-frame delay).
Sensitivity and delay time can be adjustable.
Rules are in delay regarding requirements.
Minimum delay for web traffic & telnet.
Sometime up to 60 seconds delay between each directory.
There was no delay of materials.
An emphasis on speed and simplification should prevent administrative delay.
Patients facing undue delay should not require prior authorisation.
Such a delay unduly impacts smaller organisations and businesses.
This delay is seriously harming Community shipowners.
That can mean delay or even obstruction.
The report was submitted because of the excessive delay.

Alternatives:

postpone
put off
hold off
defer
procrastinate

The word 'delayed' is the past tense or past participle form of the verb 'delay'.

"delayed"

Use 'delayed' when you want to describe something that has already been postponed. For example, 'The flight was delayed by two hours.'

Examples:

The train was delayed due to signal failure.
The delivery of the package was delayed by a day.
The project was delayed because of budget constraints.
She was delayed in traffic and arrived late.
The start of the event was delayed by technical issues.

Show examples from the web [+]

His flight was delayed due to mechanical problems.
Treatment may be delayed to allow sufficient time for recovery.
The vote is delayed, sir.
Divya said Raj's flight was delayed.
Tactical is delayed but en route.
Slightly delayed, but nothing significant.
So your progression through the emotional and mental stages of puberty was delayed.
Well, my baby was stolen by my mom and her developmentally delayed boyfriend.
They've delayed the shooting of The Sleeping Prince for four days.
And the investigations into the cause of his death further delayed the process.
I don't want delayed alerts.
We'll say the flight was delayed.
His plane got delayed getting into Teterboro.
-Packages are delayed, Fede.
Unfortunate your meeting so delayed, sir.
My flight's already delayed an hour.
Her boyfriend's flight was delayed.
What happens in vegas delayed our investigation.
Unless he's been delayed in Washington.
The latter also applies to cancelled and delayed flights.

Alternatives:

postponed
held off
deferred
procrastinated

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delay vs delayed

"delay"

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