behind the schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

"behind the schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to falling behind a timeline or timetable. For example: "We are a week behind the schedule, but we should be able to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That is somewhat behind the schedule envisioned a few years ago.

The New York Times - Science

"As it is, the trial was running behind the schedule mandated in the antiterrorism law," the official said.

The New York Times

The construction of the launch pad is four months behind the schedule and Putin said on Wednesday he expects the space agency to get it ready for the first launch in April.

Independent

He wants him to help him out with music because he's four days behind the schedule, and needs to fill in with something because they have a lot of people and don't know what to do with them.

The New Yorker

The last of the 600 affordable homes, whose rents and mortgages are subsidized in part by the city, are expected to be occupied this summer on East Grassy Sprain Road, four years behind the schedule laid out in a 1996 federal court order.

The New York Times

And for the delaying case, there are (77%) arrivals arriving slightly behind the schedule.

Data Science and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Crowley acknowledged that the program, which has been adjusted several times, was running six months behind the latest schedule.

The New York Times

On Friday, Washington started work two hours behind the ordinary schedule, the Office of Personnel Management said.

BBC

He is behind the weekly schedule but he still resisted the idea.

Huffington Post

Implementing innovations as detailed in the partnerships' proposals often lagged behind the proposed schedule at challenged sites.

BMC Nursing

The schedule was behind.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make it clear what schedule you are referring to, use it with references (e.g. 'behind the project schedule') to remove any potential ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Don't use "behind the schedule" as a euphemism for poor planning. Address the root cause of delays, whether it's resource constraints, unrealistic deadlines, or unforeseen obstacles, rather than simply stating you're behind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the schedule" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of delay or not meeting established deadlines. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is generally used as an adverbial modifier to describe the progress of an activity or project.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behind the schedule" is a grammatically correct and usable way to describe a situation where a project or task is not progressing according to its planned timeline. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in written English. It functions as a prepositional phrase with a neutral register, suitable for a wide range of contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While "behind the schedule" is a valid phrase, it's important to provide context by specifying the amount of delay and addressing the underlying causes of the delay rather than simply stating the fact. Alternatives such as "falling behind schedule" and "off schedule" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling behind schedule

This alternative emphasizes the process of becoming delayed, highlighting the action of falling behind.

lagging behind schedule

Similar to 'falling behind', this suggests a slower pace compared to the planned timeline.

off schedule

This is a more general term indicating a deviation from the planned timeline.

delayed

A simple, direct term indicating that something is not happening on time.

running late

This suggests that something is currently in progress but not on time.

behind timeline

Replaces "schedule" with "timeline," offering a slightly different emphasis but similar meaning.

not on track

This idiom suggests the project is not progressing as planned.

slipping schedule

Implies a gradual movement away from the planned dates or deadlines.

behind planned date

More specific than "behind schedule", indicating a specific date has been missed.

protracted

Describes the process is taking longer than expected, focusing on duration.

FAQs

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

Being "behind the schedule" means that a project, task, or activity is progressing slower than planned or is not meeting its established deadlines.

What can I say instead of "behind the schedule"?

You can use alternatives like "falling behind schedule", "lagging behind schedule", or "off schedule" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "behind the schedule" or "behind schedule"?

Both "behind the schedule" and "behind schedule" are acceptable, but "behind schedule" is more concise and commonly used. The inclusion of "the" doesn't significantly alter the meaning.

How do I avoid falling "behind the schedule" on a project?

To avoid falling "behind the schedule", set realistic deadlines, allocate sufficient resources, monitor progress regularly, and proactively address any potential delays or obstacles.