Fall behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Fall behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing delays in completing tasks or projects within a specified timeframe. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we may fall behind schedule on the construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Its construction did not fall behind schedule, it does not require a large maintenance force.

The New Yorker

Or, if the projects fall behind schedule, there will be chaos.

The New York Times

If they fail or fall behind schedule, NASA would have to rely on Russia or other foreign countries to take its astronauts and cargoes aloft.

The New York Times

As the evening wears on and things fall behind schedule, the stars come thicker and faster and more famous, but they stop briefly or not at all.

The Guardian - Film

How, after almost 10 months on the job, could she still fall behind schedule on any given day and let carefully planned lessons fall apart?

The New York Times

In those cases, delays can have a cascading effect as crowds pile up on platforms and trains farther down the line fall behind schedule.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They were supposed to move into a $585,000 duplex apartment in June 2008, but the developer fell behind schedule.

The New York Times

Mr. Rabeca says maintenance workers are so consumed with restringing stolen lines that expansion of electrical service to rural Mozambique risks falling behind schedule.

The New York Times

But although WinFS was originally intended to be part of Microsoft's forthcoming Windows Vista operating system, formerly known as Longhorn, it was dropped as an integral element when development fell behind schedule.

The Economist

In the next month, the production began falling behind schedule.

Wikipedia

Not surprisingly, work quickly fell behind schedule.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Fall behind schedule", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being delayed. For instance, instead of saying "The project fell behind schedule", specify "The construction project fell behind schedule due to unforeseen weather conditions."

Common error

Avoid using "Fall behind schedule" without a clear subject. Saying "Things fell behind schedule" is less effective than specifying what "things" refers to, such as "Deliveries fell behind schedule due to supply chain disruptions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Fall behind schedule" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of delay or failure to adhere to a predefined timeline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Fall behind schedule" is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase used to describe delays in meeting timelines. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, from news reports to general discussions about projects. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and encyclopedia entries, remember to clearly specify what is experiencing the delay for maximum clarity. Consider using alternatives like "lag behind schedule" or "get behind schedule" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lag behind schedule

Emphasizes a slower pace compared to the expected timeline.

Get behind schedule

Highlights the action of becoming delayed.

Run behind schedule

Focuses on the continuous nature of the delay.

Slip behind

Indicates a gradual process of falling behind.

Be delayed

A general term for being postponed or slowed down.

Miss the deadline

Specifically refers to failing to meet a set deadline.

Fail to meet the deadline

A more formal way of saying "miss the deadline".

Be off track

Suggests a deviation from the planned course or timeline.

Be overdue

Emphasizes that something is past its expected completion date.

Become protracted

Focuses on the prolonged nature of the activity which caused the delay.

FAQs

How can I use "Fall behind schedule" in a sentence?

You can use "Fall behind schedule" to describe a situation where progress is slower than planned. For example, "The project might "fall behind schedule" if we don't address these issues promptly."

What's a more formal alternative to "Fall behind schedule"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "fail to meet the deadline" or "become protracted".

Which is correct: "fall behind the schedule" or "fall behind schedule"?

"Fall behind schedule" is the correct and more common usage. Using "the" before "schedule" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What are some common reasons projects "fall behind schedule"?

Projects can "fall behind schedule" due to various reasons, including unforeseen circumstances, poor planning, resource constraints, or communication breakdowns.