is on delay vs is in delay

Both phrases are commonly used, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Is on delay' is often used to refer to a specific event or action that's being delayed, while 'is in delay' is more commonly used to describe a general state of being delayed. The choice between the two phrases depends on the context in which they're used.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 20, 2024 • 15840 views

is on delay

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to refer to a specific event or action that is being delayed. It implies that the delay is affecting the progress or timing of that particular event.

Examples:

The flight is on delay due to bad weather.
The project is on delay because of a lack of resources.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, the signing of the agreement is meeting with delays on the Polish side.
There isn't a delay on it, because there isn't a bomb.
Calls on the Commission, in the interests of more efficient implementation of the programme, to endeavour to ensure that there is no delay on their side in paying the funds allocated to the national agencies under the programme;
No one yet. It's on delay.
However, the provisions on delays, missed connections and cancellations apply only to international trains.
In order to provide passengers with sensory impairment with the best information on delays, visual and audible systems should be used, as appropriate.
We therefore endorse the rapporteur's conclusions, particularly his comments on delays, which should be avoided in future.
Last week, Mr President, I received the latest figures on delays in air transport.
Nevertheless, in certain cases it is not possible or reasonable to provide, for example, information on delays in an unmanned port.
The Commission knows about the articles in the Greek press on delays in construction of the Athens Suburban Railway and the Athens Tramway.
It has to be made clear that Member States have an obligation to add comments to their notification, in case they dispose of any information on delays or/and obstacles as regards the implementation of investment projects.
Subject: Sturgeon ruling on delay compensation and clarification of the situation in the UK
I regret the delay with which LEADER, as was the case with the other three initiatives, was presented to Parliament and for the knock-on delay this entailed for the whole procedure.
Nº 1128/2007 by Rainer Sander (German), on delays in allocating a tax number for his company in Spain
Member States, their delegated entities or the specific body referred to in Article 3(2) shall add to their notifications any comments they may have, such as comments on delays or obstacles to the implementation of investment projects.
Delay: The delay in seconds between consecutive images.
Delay, delay, delay, then suddenly... it's too late.
Otherwise, just delay, delay, delay...
The delay times of delay detonators must be sufficiently uniform to ensure that the probability of overlapping of the delay times of adjacent time steps is insignificant.
Chicago PD apologized for the delay.

Alternatives:

is delayed
is experiencing a delay
is facing a delay
is being delayed

is in delay

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe a general state of being delayed. It can refer to a situation where progress or timing is hindered by delays.