are overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are overdue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is past its expected or scheduled time, such as payments, assignments, or deadlines. Example: "The library books are overdue, and I need to return them as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"They are overdue".

The New York Times

The BayStars are overdue.

The New York Times - Sports

Only golfers are overdue now.

The New Yorker

Hedge-fund fees are overdue for trimming.

The Economist

-- Both teams are overdue for a Championship.

Independent

Might I suggest they are overdue?

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, these prizes are overdue.

The New York Times - Arts

Ship channels are overdue for dredging.

The New York Times

We are overdue for a big one".

The Guardian

That would require figuring out which returns are overdue.

The New York Times

The Cowboys are overdue for a little pampering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are overdue", clearly state what is overdue to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The payments are overdue" is clearer than simply saying "They are overdue".

Common error

Avoid using "are overdue" with singular subjects. The correct form for a singular subject is "is overdue". For example, say "The bill is overdue", not "The bill are overdue".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are overdue" is to act as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being late or past a deadline. It modifies plural nouns, indicating that something has not been completed or received by the expected time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are overdue" functions as a predicate adjective to describe plural nouns that have surpassed a deadline or expected time. Grammatically sound and widely used, Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in neutral contexts, such as news reports, though it's also relevant in business and science. When using "are overdue", be explicit about what exactly is overdue, and remember to use "is overdue" with singular subjects. Related phrases include "are late" and "are behind schedule". Overall, "are overdue" is a practical and effective way to communicate that something is past its expected completion date.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are past deadline

Emphasizes that a specific deadline has already passed.

are late

A simpler and more direct way to express that something is not on time.

are behind schedule

Highlights that something is not progressing as planned.

are delayed

Focuses on the fact that something has been postponed or held back.

are outstanding

Indicates that something remains to be done or paid.

are delinquent

Refers to a failure to fulfill an obligation or pay a debt on time.

are not up to date

Suggests that something needs to be updated or brought current.

are in arrears

Refers specifically to being behind in payments or obligations.

should have been done

Emphasizes that something was expected to be completed by now.

have exceeded their timeframe

Highlights that the allotted time for something has passed.

FAQs

What does "are overdue" mean?

When something is said to be "are overdue", it means it is past its expected or required time. This could refer to payments, assignments, or any obligation that has not been fulfilled by the deadline.

How can I use "are overdue" in a sentence?

You can use "are overdue" to describe something that is late or past its deadline. For example, "The library books "are overdue" and need to be returned", or "The project milestones "are overdue", causing project delays."

What can I say instead of "are overdue"?

Alternatives to "are overdue" include phrases like "are late", "are behind schedule", or "are past deadline". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is overdue" or "are overdue"?

"Is overdue" is used with singular nouns (e.g., "The payment is overdue"), while "are overdue" is used with plural nouns (e.g., "The payments are overdue").