Learn · Sentences Elliptical Sentences
We could have avoided the delay, but we didn’t take the right steps.
C2Sentence
We could have avoided the delay, but we didn’t take the right steps.
Study notes
How to use in different contexts
Giving Advice
You could have avoided the delay if you had taken the right steps.
Describing Habits
We often miss deadlines because we don't take the necessary steps.
Asking About Others
Could you have avoided the problem by taking a different approach?
Sharing Hypotheticals
If we had taken the right steps, the project would have been completed on time.
Rephrased versions
Formal
The delay could have been prevented had appropriate measures been taken.
Casual
We could have dodged the delay, but we messed up.
Simpler English
We could have stopped the delay, but we didn't do the right things.
Phrases to learn
avoided the delay
To prevent or escape a postponement or lateness.
take the right steps
To perform the necessary actions to achieve a goal.