a month behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a month behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe the current state of something that is late, overdue, or behind schedule. For example, "We are a month behind on our rent payments, so we need to catch up soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

After she first lost her job, she fell a month behind on rent.

The New York Times

"I was starting to receive my disability, but I was panicking because I knew that I would continually be a month behind," Ms. DeSoto said exasperatedly.

The New York Times

The calendar said March 1 but experienced football-watchers thought it was a month behind, as this was a tale that even the most gullible soul would have put down as an elaborate April Fools' Day prank.

The Guardian - Sport

In August it was downloaded 1.6m times a month (behind The Archers, on 1.9m, and ahead of third-placed Desert Island Discs, on 1.3m).

The Guardian

IN August, the couple was "a month behind on the mortgage and headed for disaster," Mr. Ervin recalled, when he saw an ad on Craigslist, seeking heavy equipment operators willing to travel.

The New York Times

This did not surprise her, as he had spoken of leaving about a month earlier, and was a month behind on his rent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Here's a look at some of the other images that have rolled out, courtesy of the film's stars and a January behind-the-scenes feature in Vanity Fair.

Los Angeles Times

But now what was blocking Seventh Street was a troupe of black teenagers in uniform, ten girls dancing in front, ten boys beating a march behind.

Vice

The bill is the product of a month of behind-the-scenes work that began when Facebook first disclosed it had found ads linked to Russian accounts on its network.

Vice

It's at least a month or two behind, though".

The New York Times

But they remained two months behind in mortgage payments, though they carefully avoided falling a third month behind, knowing that the third missed payment is the trigger point at which banks typically file for foreclosure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a month behind", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed. For instance, specify "a month behind on rent" or "a month behind schedule" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a month behind" when you should be using "a month overdue" or "a month in arrears". "Behind" implies a process that is still ongoing, while "overdue" or "in arrears" suggest a missed deadline or obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a month behind" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent of a delay or the degree to which something lags. Ludwig AI showcases this in examples relating to project timelines, payments, and crop growth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a month behind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a delay or lag, as verified by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, most prominently in News & Media. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the specific item being delayed is crucial. While synonymous alternatives such as "one month overdue" exist, "a month behind" remains a versatile and readily understood means of conveying lateness or delayed progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one month overdue

Focuses on the aspect of being overdue, emphasizing that a deadline has passed.

a month behind schedule

Explicitly states the delay in terms of a planned timeline.

lagging by a month

Uses the verb 'lagging' to highlight the state of being behind.

one month delayed

Emphasizes the postponement and resulting lateness.

a month in arrears

Specifically indicates being behind in payments or obligations.

running a month late

Highlights the ongoing state of being late, as if still in progress.

a month off track

Suggests a deviation from the intended course or plan.

one month adrift

Implies a lack of control and a drifting away from the expected position.

trailing by a month

Suggests a following position that is delayed by a specific duration.

one month deferred

Highlights that something has been postponed until a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "a month behind" in a sentence?

You can use "a month behind" to describe being delayed or lagging in progress, such as "We are "a month behind" on our project timeline" or "I'm "a month behind" on my mortgage payments".

What's a good alternative to saying "a month behind"?

Alternatives include "one month overdue", "a month behind schedule", or "lagging by a month", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "one month behind" instead of "a month behind"?

Both "a month behind" and "one month behind" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What is the difference between "a month behind" and "a month overdue"?

"A month behind" generally indicates a process or timeline that is lagging, while "a month overdue" specifies that a deadline has passed. For instance, you might be "a month behind" on a project, but your rent could be "a month overdue".