getting behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing delays in completing tasks or projects. Example: "We are getting behind schedule on the construction project." Alternative expressions include "falling behind" and "lagging behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Getting behind schedule on even one project can cause delays on several.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The former President received more prime time television exposure than had been planned, however, because the Democrats, as often happens, got behind schedule.

The New York Times

Failure to meet with your advisor will almost certainly cause you to get behind schedule and could even cause you to fail the course if you do not make enough week-by-week progress.

Princeton University

Now, Favorite Trick has been assigned to Bill Mott, who has expressed doubt that the colt will be ready for the Florida Derby on March 14 or possibly even the Kentucky Derby on May 2. Mott has been saying that Favorite Trick got behind schedule when he took a 60-day vacation after the Breeders' Cup Juvenile on Nov. 8.

The New York Times - Sports

In previous projects with tight deadlines, the work environment had become increasingly stressful, and as workers got behind schedule, they'd tend to start interrupting their colleagues for quick help.

TechCrunch

If I get behind schedule, my husband and daughter will tell you I'm not fun to live with.

Huffington Post

That way if you get behind, you've still got strips available to go out on schedule.

WikiHow

(And you'd really appreciate no one mentioning that you hit that age six months ago, okay?) You can't afford to get any farther behind schedule.

HuffPost

Patients become frustrated when there is inadequate time to have their needs met, yet when a patient's clinic time is spontaneously lengthened, the provider gets behind in schedule, causing delays and greater frustration for others.

Applied Nursing Research

Chances are the site gets launched behind schedule.

Huffington Post

"Everything's behind schedule.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about project management or timelines, use "getting behind schedule" to clearly indicate a deviation from the planned timeframe. It's easily understood and widely accepted in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when describing why something is "getting behind schedule". Instead of saying "The project is getting behind schedule because of unforeseen issues", be direct: "Unforeseen issues are causing the project to get behind schedule."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting behind schedule" functions as a descriptor indicating a state of delay or failure to meet established timelines. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from managing multiple projects to construction and personal commitments, confirming its role in describing deviations from planned schedules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting behind schedule" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the state of being delayed or not meeting deadlines. Ludwig AI confirms it's considered usable in a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki articles. While not extremely common, this phrase effectively conveys the idea of falling behind a timeline. To diversify your writing, alternatives like "falling behind", "lagging behind", or "slipping behind" can be used. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and direct, avoiding passive voice for a more impactful message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling behind

Focuses on the act of receding or lagging in progress.

lagging behind

Emphasizes a slow pace compared to the expected progress.

slipping behind

Suggests a gradual decline in keeping up with the schedule.

running late

Focuses on the aspect of time and not meeting deadlines.

off track

Indicates a deviation from the planned course or timeline.

delayed

Highlights the state of being postponed or slowed down.

behind on time

Directly refers to not meeting the expected timeframe.

postponed

Indicates a planned delay to a later time.

not on schedule

Simply states the failure to adhere to the intended timetable.

not meeting deadlines

Specifically refers to the failure of completing tasks by the due date.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting behind schedule" to describe a situation where a project or task is falling behind its planned timeline. For example: "We are "getting behind schedule" on the construction project."

What are some alternatives to "getting behind schedule"?

Alternatives include "falling behind", "lagging behind", or "slipping behind", all conveying a similar meaning of not meeting deadlines or timelines.

Is it better to say "getting behind schedule" or "falling behind schedule"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "falling behind schedule" might slightly emphasize a continuous process of delay, while "getting behind schedule" can refer to a specific instance or realization of delay.

What causes projects to "get behind schedule"?

Various factors, such as unforeseen circumstances, resource constraints, poor planning, or lack of communication, can cause projects to "get behind schedule".