Cool MateDelay vs Let's hang back
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Delay
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Let's hang back
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: DelayMost common: Delay
| Delay | Let's hang back | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛts hæŋ bæk//🇺🇸 //lɛts hæŋ bæk// |
| Meaning | To make something happen later than planned. | To wait or not join something immediately |
| Example | Due to the heavy traffic, there was a significant delay in our arrival time. | Let's hang back and see what everyone else does first. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | considerable, enormous, lengthy, series, be subject to, be plagued by, encounter, occur, without delay, delay in, delay of, considerable, enormous, lengthy, series, be subject to, be plagued by, encounter, occur, without delay, delay in, delay of | hang back from, hang back and observe, hang back in a group |
| Antonyms | advance, hasten, expedite | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'delay' with 'defer' — 'defer' is often more formal., Using 'delayed' incorrectly in tense — check verb forms for accuracy., Overusing 'delay' in casual speech when simpler options like 'wait' are available. | Confused with 'hang out' which means to spend time with friends., Using in formal writing or professional settings., Mixing up the phrase with 'hang back' which implies a different meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'delay' when referring to postponing events or actions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'wait' might suffice. | Use in casual conversations. Not suitable for formal situations. Indicates a relaxed approach to participation or action. |
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Frequently asked questions: Delay vs Let's hang back
What's the difference between Delay and Let's hang back?
Delay: To make something happen later than planned. Let's hang back: To wait or not join something immediately
Which is more formal: Delay and Let's hang back?
Delay is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Delay and Let's hang back?
Delay is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Delay: Due to the heavy traffic, there was a significant delay in our arrival time. Let's hang back: Let's hang back and see what everyone else does first.
Can I use Delay and Let's hang back interchangeably?
Not always. Delay and Let's hang back are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.