frequent delays — regular lateness
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
When something is often late or does not happen on time, especially with transport, services, or events.
Say it like a native
Textbook The service is subject to recurrent postponements.
Native There are frequent delays.
'Recurrent postponements' is bureaucratic; 'frequent delays' is the everyday phrase.
Pattern: frequent delays (in something) / frequent delays (with something)
In use
- There are frequent delays on this train line during rush hour.daily life
- In my city, frequent delays in public transport make it difficult for people to arrive at work on time.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There are frequents delays.
✓ There are frequent delays.
'Frequent' is an adjective — no 's'.
Common collocations
frequent delays— due to, experience, cause, long
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'occasional delays', which means delays happen only sometimes.