far behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a project or task is taking longer than expected to finish. Example sentence: We have fallen far behind schedule and now will not be able to complete the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their construction is far behind schedule.

The Economist

Officials at local heating plants say fuel deliveries are far behind schedule.

The Economist

So the implementation of the CPA, an extraordinarily complex document, has fallen far behind schedule.

The Economist

The building project has been mired in financial disputes, with construction falling far behind schedule.

The Guardian

If this dream ever comes true, it will be far behind schedule.

MIT Technology Review

The anticipated journey plotted by the road map is already far behind schedule.

The New York Times

As the polar winter began to roll in, the men fell far behind schedule.

The New York Times - Books

The differences have put the governor and the Legislature far behind schedule.

The New York Times

(We're running so far behind schedule now that the light is beginning to fade).

The Guardian

The deployment is far behind schedule, and Western countries have not committed equipment, like attack helicopters.

The New York Times

He acknowledged that the deployment of peacekeepers was "far behind schedule".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far behind schedule", ensure the context clearly indicates the original expected timeline or deadline. Provide specific details about the project or task that is delayed to give the audience full context.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "far behind schedule" without explaining the cause. Briefly mention the main reason for the delay to provide a clearer picture. Instead of just saying "The project is far behind schedule", add "The project is "far behind schedule" due to unforeseen technical difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far behind schedule" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It indicates the degree to which something is delayed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far behind schedule" is a common and correct way to describe something significantly delayed. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s versatile, appearing frequently in news, business, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, provide context about the cause of the delay and the expected timeline. Alternatives like ""significantly delayed"" or "considerably overdue" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid oversimplifying the reasons for the delay to maintain clarity and informativeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly delayed

This term focuses on the extent of the delay, emphasizing it's more than just a little behind.

considerably overdue

Highlights that the deadline has already passed by a significant margin.

running very late

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the delay.

falling behind on timeline

Specifically refers to not meeting milestones within the project's timeline.

lagging substantially

Indicates a slower pace than required, leading to significant delays.

progressing much slower than anticipated

Focuses on the difference between the planned and actual rate of progress.

behind target completion

Highlights the gap between current progress and the intended final outcome.

behind established milestones

Specifically refers to missing key checkpoints or targets in a plan.

slipping past deadlines

Emphasizes a pattern of missed deadlines.

off track significantly

Indicates a deviation from the intended path or plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "far behind schedule" to describe a project, task, or event that is significantly delayed beyond its planned timeline. For example, "The construction of the new hospital is "significantly delayed" and is now "far behind schedule".

What are some alternatives to saying "far behind schedule"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""significantly delayed"", "considerably overdue", or "running very late", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "far behind schedule"?

Yes, "far behind schedule" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is used to indicate that something is significantly delayed beyond its expected completion time.

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

"Behind schedule" indicates a general delay, while "far behind schedule" emphasizes that the delay is substantial and significant. "Far behind schedule" implies a more critical situation than simply being "behind schedule".