Word of the Day: 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" is very similar 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.)
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.
A big snowstorm created delays at the airport.
If you order now, there won't be any delay.