falling behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that something is progressing slower than expected or planned. For example, "The construction project is falling behind schedule, so it looks like it won't be completed until next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Rabeca says maintenance workers are so consumed with restringing stolen lines that expansion of electrical service to rural Mozambique risks falling behind schedule.

The New York Times

In the next month, the production began falling behind schedule.

Wikipedia

While Galileo was falling behind schedule, the Chinese were developing their system, Compass/Beidou.

The New York Times - Tech

Public works projects have a way of falling behind schedule, but it does not have to be that way.

The New York Times

McNeil's customer account was crucial, and it was falling behind schedule during a period of near-crisis at the company.

Harvard Business Review

It is not being implemented properly, with plans for a census and an electoral law falling behind schedule.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

They were supposed to move into a $585,000 duplex apartment in June 2008, but the developer fell behind schedule.

The New York Times

Carter repealed the ban on transgender military service after a long, internal review that fell behind schedule as military officials struggled to reach a consensus.

The Washington Post

Not surprisingly, work quickly fell behind schedule.

The New Yorker

Rehearsals also fell behind schedule.

The Guardian

But that vehicle too fell behind schedule.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "falling behind schedule", clearly state the original deadline or expected completion date to emphasize the extent of the delay.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "falling behind schedule" without providing context or reasons for the delay. Briefly explain the contributing factors to give a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling behind schedule" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a process of delay or failure to maintain the planned timeline. It describes an action that is unfolding, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling behind schedule" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a situation where progress is slower than expected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. Related phrases include "lagging behind timeline" and "slipping behind target". When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly state the original deadline and avoid simply stating the delay without providing any context to the reasons for the delay. With its clear meaning and frequent usage, "falling behind schedule" is a valuable and reliable term for describing delays across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing slower than planned

Directly states the slower pace of progress compared to the initial plan.

behind the set timeframe

Similar to "falling behind schedule" but using the word "timeframe".

lagging behind timeline

Focuses on the delay in relation to a specific timeline.

not meeting deadlines

Focuses on the failure to adhere to specific deadlines within the schedule.

slipping behind target

Emphasizes a gradual drift away from an intended target or goal.

not on pace

Indicates a failure to maintain the required speed or rate of progress.

delayed beyond expectation

Highlights the unexpected nature of the delay.

off track

A more general term indicating a deviation from the planned course.

the project is lagging

Indicates a general lack of progress in a project.

the project is stalling

Indicates a complete or near-complete halt in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "falling behind schedule" in a sentence?

You can use "falling behind schedule" to indicate that a project, task, or activity is progressing slower than planned. For example, "The construction project is "falling behind schedule" due to unforeseen weather conditions".

What are some alternative phrases for "falling behind schedule"?

Some alternatives to "falling behind schedule" include "lagging behind timeline", "slipping behind target", or "progressing slower than planned". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "falling behind schedule" and "behind schedule"?

"Falling behind schedule" suggests a process of gradually becoming delayed, while "behind schedule" simply indicates the current state of being delayed. "Falling behind schedule" implies a continuous action, whereas "behind schedule" is a static description.

Is it acceptable to use "falling behind schedule" in formal writing?

Yes, "falling behind schedule" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe delays in projects, reports, or any planned activity. There are examples available from "Harvard Business Review".