What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
suspend
Example
The company decided to suspend production until further notice. [suspend: verb]
Example
The chandelier was suspended from the ceiling with a sturdy chain. [suspended: past participle]
Example
The student was suspended from school for violating the code of conduct. [suspended: adjective]
delay
Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather conditions. [delayed: past tense]
Example
The construction work was delayed by the shortage of building materials. [delayed: past participle]
Example
There was a delay in the delivery of the package, so it arrived a day later than expected. [delay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delay is more commonly used than suspend in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Delay is a versatile word that can be used in various situations, while suspend is more specific and often used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between suspend and delay?
Suspend is typically associated with formal or legal language, while delay can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word.
