is long overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is long overdue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that should have been done a long time ago but has not yet been done. For example: "This report is long overdue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Reform is long overdue".

The New York Times

That is long overdue.

The New York Times

The change is long overdue.

The New York Times

This idea is long overdue.

The New York Times

A review is long overdue.

Independent

This inquest is long overdue".

Independent

"Idea Man" is long overdue.

The New York Times - Books

Setting one is long overdue.

The New York Times

His resignation is long overdue.

The Economist

"This review is long overdue.

Independent

His anger is long overdue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using this phrase to highlight the urgency or importance of addressing a delayed issue.

Common error

Avoid using "is long overdue" for trivial delays. This expression carries a sense of significant importance and urgency, and using it lightly can weaken its impact when you need it most.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is long overdue" functions as a commentary or judgment, expressing that an action, event, or change should have occurred much earlier than its current state. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in expressing a delayed necessity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is long overdue" effectively conveys that something should have happened or been addressed much earlier, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the delayed action. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. With a neutral register and frequent presence in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase is suitable for expressing delayed necessities across various professional and formal settings. When using "is long overdue", ensure that the context makes clear what action or event has been delayed. Consider using alternative phrases such as ""should have happened ages ago"" for emphasis or "should've been done already" for informality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should have happened ages ago

This alternative uses stronger language to emphasize the delay.

should have been addressed sooner

This suggests the problem required a solution before.

should have been implemented earlier

This suggests a formal process or systematic delay.

should've been done already

A contraction adds informality, implying impatience.

is much delayed

Focuses on the fact that something has been significantly postponed.

has been too slow in coming

Emphasizes the gradual and unsatisfactory pace of the event.

was needed a while back

This phrase simplifies the idea with a more casual tone.

was expected long ago

This indicates anticipation that has not been met.

the time for this passed

This conveys that a deadline has passed.

is behind schedule

This phrase focuses on the fact that an event should have occurred already.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is long overdue"?

When something "is long overdue", it means it should have happened or been completed a significant amount of time ago, and its delay is causing concern or problems.

How can I use the phrase "is long overdue" in a sentence?

You can say, "The reform "should have happened ages ago"" or "His promotion "was needed a while back"" to emphasize the extensive delay.

What's a less formal way to say "is long overdue"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "should've been done already" or ""was needed a while back"".

Is "is long overdue" the same as "is behind schedule"?

While both phrases indicate a delay, "is long overdue" implies a more significant and possibly problematic delay than "is behind schedule". The first one carries more urgency and importance.