behind the timetable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the timetable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not progressing as scheduled or is delayed compared to a planned timeline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project is currently behind the timetable we initially set."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The UIC's capacity approach is often one of the main theories behind the timetable-based simulation approach.

Journal of Modern Transportation

BEHIND THE NEWS The timetable, which the Bush administration said set "aspirational goals" rather than fixed deadlines, is part of a draft agreement between Washington and Baghdad that must still be approved by Iraq's fractious political leadership.

The New York Times

UK Prime Minister David Cameron also welcomed the agreement and called on all sides in Ukraine to "get behind this deal and deliver it according to the timetable set out".

BBC

He looked at the timetable.

The New Yorker

So the timetable is tight.

The Economist

He looked at the timetable again.

The New Yorker

He looked again at the timetable.

The New Yorker

He stressed that the timetable for political action is different than the nuclear project's timetable.

The Guardian

But what about the timetable?

BBC

There's the vote on the timetable.

Vice

The 2nd Brigade landed between 05 30 and 07:00, and the reserve 1st Brigade landed between 09 00 and 12 00, already putting the timetable behind schedule.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal project management or academic writing, combine it with specific metrics or consequences. For example: "The project is currently two weeks behind the timetable, impacting the Q3 deliverables."

Common error

Avoid using "behind the timetable" when a specific timetable isn't explicitly in place. In general cases of lateness, use alternatives like "delayed" or "behind schedule", as "behind the timetable" strongly implies a structured plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the timetable" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a state of delay or being off-schedule with respect to a pre-defined plan. It modifies a noun or verb phrase, specifying the temporal relationship. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behind the timetable" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe something not progressing according to a pre-defined schedule. Although less common than "behind schedule", it is perfectly appropriate when referring to a specific timetable. Ludwig AI validates its usage in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes a defined schedule to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "behind schedule" or "lagging behind the timeline" can be used for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind schedule

This alternative is shorter and more commonly used, suitable for general contexts where precise timeline details aren't crucial.

behind the deadline

This alternative specifies the failure to meet a specific end date or target time, emphasizing the missed deadline.

lagging behind the timeline

This alternative suggests a gradual falling behind, emphasizing the continuous nature of the delay.

not on schedule

This alternative states directly that the activity isn't happening when it's supposed to.

slipping schedule

This alternative indicates that the schedule is gradually becoming more delayed.

off track

This alternative conveys a deviation from the intended plan or course, not exclusively related to timing but implying a similar problem.

behind on deliverables

This alternative focuses specifically on the failure to complete assigned tasks or products within the allotted time.

running late

This alternative is generally used for less formal situations and shorter delays.

delayed

This alternative is a general term for being late or postponed, lacking the specific reference to a "timetable".

off the pace

This alternative implies a failure to keep up with the required rate or speed, often used in competitive or performance-based contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "behind the timetable" in a sentence?

You can use "behind the timetable" to describe situations where progress is slower than originally planned. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project is currently behind the timetable we initially set."

What are some alternatives to "behind the timetable"?

Some alternatives include "behind schedule", "behind the deadline", or "lagging behind the timeline", depending on the specific context.

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

"Behind schedule" is generally more common and widely understood. "Behind the timetable" is appropriate when referring to a specific, pre-defined timetable. Choose "behind schedule" if the context is general.

What does it mean when something is "behind the timetable"?

It means that a project, task, or activity is not progressing as quickly as planned according to a specific, pre-established schedule. This indicates a delay in meeting the expected milestones or completion date.