behind the deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

'behind the deadline' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to have not done something by the deadline. Example sentence: I'm sorry, I'm a bit behind the deadline for the project, but I will have it finished soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The contractor, Adesta Communications, is at least four weeks behind schedule on the parkway project and is also behind on the deadline for installing E-ZPass equipment on the New Jersey Turnpike, which had been set for May 22.

The New York Times

They've created a story around the actors involved in the broadcast, so the audience witnesses all the behind-the-scenes deadline pressure that went into one of these 1940s broadcasts.

Los Angeles Times

At the time, Ms. Roter was behind on the deadline for her second book, "Camp Rules" (Dutton, 2007) and not exactly flush with funds.

The New York Times

With the deadline now behind us, there is confusion and ambiguity with respect to definitions, requirements, enforcement and impact.

Forbes

As the clock behind her creeped closer to the deadline, you felt a rush of panic set over you.

HuffPost

But Coates said he believed the Rio Games were even more troubled than the preparations for Athens, which saw venues being finished right at the deadline and left behind little in the way of legacy.

The Guardian - Sport

A number of transit agencies, which rely on passenger fares and government subsidies, are among those furthest behind in meeting the deadline, according to the September FRA report.

The Washington Post

4. Plan Your Deadline Before the Deadline.

Huffington Post

Pay attention to the deadline.

WikiHow

If something falls behind, renegotiate the deadlines to ensure the project is completed with as little stress as possible.

WikiHow

Two labour groups are behind the pact and the deadline for retailers to sign on is 15 May.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify how far "behind the deadline" you are by giving a timeframe e.g. "two weeks behind the deadline" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating you are "behind the deadline" without providing context or a solution. This can create uncertainty and frustration for stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the deadline" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to describe a state of being late or delayed in relation to a specific due date. As illustrated by Ludwig, it often appears with verbs like 'be' or 'fall'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behind the deadline" is a common phrase used to indicate that something is late or has not been completed by the due date. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's frequently found in news and media, and its usage is appropriate for most settings, more formal alternatives may exist. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and clarity to avoid confusion or misinterpretations. Remember to quantify how late you are by providing a timeframe to ensure the other person is clear about the delays. It also means it is important to check the dates for which a request is needed, and when that is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past the due date

Emphasizes that the deadline or due date has already passed.

overdue

A simpler and more direct way of saying something is late.

not on schedule

Focuses on the deviation from the planned timetable.

falling behind schedule

Highlights the process of becoming late, rather than the state of being late.

lagging behind the target date

Specifies that the delay is in relation to a specific target date.

missing the cutoff

Emphasizes failure to make a specific cutoff point.

delayed

A general term indicating lateness, without specifying the reason.

running late

Suggests a continuous state of being in the process of becoming late.

off track

Implies a deviation from the planned course of action, resulting in lateness.

behind the eight ball

An idiomatic expression indicating being at a disadvantage due to lateness or other issues.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "behind the deadline" in a professional email?

Consider using phrases like "past the due date", "experiencing delays", or "slightly delayed" to soften the impact.

What are some strategies to avoid falling "behind the deadline"?

Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, set realistic timelines, and regularly track progress to identify potential delays early on.

Is it better to say "behind the deadline" or "late"?

"Behind the deadline" is more specific, indicating lateness in relation to a particular due date. "Late" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the context. E.g. project is late

What does it mean to be "behind the deadline"?

It means that a task, project, or obligation has not been completed or submitted by the agreed-upon or specified due date.