greatly overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatly overdue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly late or past its expected time of completion or occurrence. Example: "The report is greatly overdue, and we need to submit it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a final note, just as I was writing this piece yesterday, the President, to his further credit, put forward three additional proposals targeting the highest earners, all greatly overdue and thus all greatly welcome.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Much overdue".

The Guardian - Music

"That's overdue.

The New York Times

I am really overdue".

Independent

They are already overdue.

The New York Times

Reform was long overdue.

Independent

He was long overdue.

The New York Times - Sports

The visit was overdue.

The Economist

"It's way overdue".

The New York Times

The change is overdue.

The New York Times

That is long overdue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greatly overdue", consider the context. It's most appropriate when emphasizing that something's lateness is particularly significant or impactful. For broader use cases, "long overdue" might be a better choice.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "greatly overdue" can sound somewhat formal or emphatic. Avoid using it in contexts where a simpler term like "long overdue" would suffice, as overuse can make your writing sound unnatural or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatly overdue" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and signals that something is significantly past its expected time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "greatly overdue" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to emphasize that something is significantly past its expected time. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While typically found in news and media contexts to highlight urgency, simpler alternatives like "long overdue" may be more suitable for less formal situations. The phrase conveys a strong sense of delay and its consequences, making it useful when the lateness is particularly impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long overdue

A more common and standard way of expressing that something should have happened a while ago.

extremely delayed

Highlights the intensity of the delay.

long delayed

Emphasizes that the delay has been ongoing for a significant period.

considerably delayed

Focuses on the act of delaying rather than the expectation of timeliness; emphasizes the extent of the delay.

significantly delayed

Similar to "considerably delayed" but highlights the importance or impact of the delay.

much delayed

Simpler phrasing using 'much' to emphasize the extent of the delay.

substantially delayed

A more formal and impactful way to express a significant delay.

badly delayed

Emphasizes the negative impact of the delay, suggesting it's a serious problem.

terribly late

Uses a different adjective ("late" instead of "overdue") and emphasizes the severity of the lateness.

way behind schedule

Expresses the delay in terms of a set timetable, highlighting the deviation from it.

FAQs

What does "greatly overdue" mean?

The phrase "greatly overdue" signifies that something is considerably past its expected or scheduled time. It emphasizes the significance or impact of the delay.

When is it appropriate to use "greatly overdue"?

Use "greatly overdue" when you want to emphasize that something is significantly late and that the delay has important consequences. In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "long overdue".

What are some alternatives to "greatly overdue"?

Alternatives to "greatly overdue" include "long overdue", "considerably delayed", and "significantly delayed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "greatly overdue" formal or informal?

"Greatly overdue" leans towards a more formal tone. In casual conversation, phrases like "way behind schedule" or "long overdue" are more common.