the train was delayed vs the train had been delayed

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "The train was delayed" is used to simply state that the train was late at a specific time in the past. On the other hand, "the train had been delayed" is used when you want to emphasize that the delay occurred before a particular point in the past.

Last updated: March 31, 2024

the train was delayed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to state that the train was late at a specific time in the past.

Examples:

The train was delayed due to signal failure.
I missed my appointment because the train was delayed.
We arrived late because the train was delayed.
The passengers were frustrated because the train was delayed.
The train was delayed by heavy snowfall.

Show examples from the web [+]

It happened that the train was delayed on account of snow.
The train was delayed by a heavy snowfall.
Mr President, I am sorry that, because my train was delayed, I have only just arrived and have not therefore been able to hear the previous debate.
The trains been delayed, madam.
I was supposed to be heading out of town to meet a client, but the train got delayed.
I was supposed to be heading out of town to meet a client, but the train got delayed.
It was not until more than an hour later, shortly before the train's delayed departure from Nicolina, that another person in camouflage uniform came along who, without a word, very quickly handed me back my passport and immediately disappeared.
train paths, in particular on the train paths allocated to delayed trains,
Until that moment, the possibility that the trains could be delayed had not even crossed my mind.
It is impossible to exchange a ticket or a reservation between trains (if a train is delayed or the passenger misses the train).
Trains are delayed on the Tôhoku and Takasaki lines.
If a train is delayed, 25% of the fare is repaid in compensation after an hour.
Due to the following train being delayed, this train will be temporarily stopping here for 10 minutes.
If this train is delayed, we shall miss our connection at Kobe.
In the event that a train is delayed, free meals and refreshments must be offered to passengers in a reasonable relation to the waiting time.
Rail passengers can look forward to compensation if their trains are delayed, following a vote by the European Parliament's Transport Committee on 19 April.
There will be better compensation when trains are delayed and competitiveness will be improved through opening up the sector to competition.
Perhaps just one further remark; the wording adopted in the Stercx report comes across as an attempt to impose penalties in the event of trains being delayed.
Trains were delayed for an hour while the army bomb squad diffused the explosives.
Trains will be delayed due to heavy snowfall.

Alternatives:

the train was running late
the train was behind schedule
the train was held up
the train was tardy

the train had been delayed

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday conversation.

This phrase is used to emphasize that the delay occurred before a particular point in the past.

Examples:

By the time we arrived, the train had been delayed for over an hour.
The train had been delayed due to a technical issue.
I was surprised to learn that the train had been delayed overnight.
The passengers were relieved to hear that the train had been delayed.
The train had been delayed several times before reaching its destination.

Show examples from the web [+]

The trains been delayed, madam.
It happened that the train was delayed on account of snow.
The train was delayed by a heavy snowfall.
I was supposed to be heading out of town to meet a client, but the train got delayed.
I was supposed to be heading out of town to meet a client, but the train got delayed.
Only the station announcer keeps coming on and telling me that my train has been delayed!
As for the Swing Girls from Yamakawa High School, who won a last minute spot, their train has been delayed by weather...
It was not until more than an hour later, shortly before the train's delayed departure from Nicolina, that another person in camouflage uniform came along who, without a word, very quickly handed me back my passport and immediately disappeared.
train paths, in particular on the train paths allocated to delayed trains,
Mr President, I hope that the two members due to speak before me were not travelling by train and have been delayed.
Until that moment, the possibility that the trains could be delayed had not even crossed my mind.
It is impossible to exchange a ticket or a reservation between trains (if a train is delayed or the passenger misses the train).
Trains are delayed on the Tôhoku and Takasaki lines.
If a train is delayed, 25% of the fare is repaid in compensation after an hour.
Due to the following train being delayed, this train will be temporarily stopping here for 10 minutes.
If this train is delayed, we shall miss our connection at Kobe.
In the event that a train is delayed, free meals and refreshments must be offered to passengers in a reasonable relation to the waiting time.
Rail passengers can look forward to compensation if their trains are delayed, following a vote by the European Parliament's Transport Committee on 19 April.
There will be better compensation when trains are delayed and competitiveness will be improved through opening up the sector to competition.
Mr President, I am sorry that, because my train was delayed, I have only just arrived and have not therefore been able to hear the previous debate.

Alternatives:

the train had experienced delays
the train had faced delays
the train had encountered delays
the train had suffered delays

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the train was delayed vs the train had been delayed