it is already behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is already behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has already occurred or is no longer relevant, often in a context of time or progress. Example: "The deadline for submissions is tomorrow, but for those who missed it, it is already behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The end of the road is so far ahead it is already behind us.

The New Yorker

It is already behind schedule, and no work has begun on a railroad yet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was yet another demand, and I was already behind on marking.

The Guardian

America, which is already behind on its past payments, should go first, with the Europeans and Japanese close behind.

The Economist

"When I whacked at the puck, it was already behind the line.

The New York Times - Sports

I've seen it all before so it's already behind us.

BBC

It was already behind schedule, but organisers insist said this delay will not keep the stadium from being finished in time for the Brazil-Croatia opener.

BBC

In some cases, the homeowner is already behind on the payments.

The New York Times

Rand Paul is only one vote – and everyone who ultimately coalesced behind him is already behind me.

The New York Times

But Roby told me that, even now, with white nose as widespread as it is, researchers are already behind in simply trying to understand the lives of bats the northerns, in particular.

The New Yorker

So it's important to ensure that your apps are up to date — though if you're already behind, it's probably best not to spend valuable battery time updating apps.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is already behind" to clearly indicate that something is late or has missed its intended timeframe. This phrase adds emphasis to the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "it is already behind" to describe physical positions. This phrase is best suited for abstract concepts like schedules, deadlines, or progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is already behind" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is lagging or past a desired point. This expression conveys the state of being delayed, and as stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is already behind" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that something is delayed or has not kept pace with expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to inform or emphasize the state of being late or off-schedule. While versatile, it's best suited for abstract concepts and timelines rather than physical positions. Alternatives like "it is behind schedule" or "it is past due" offer similar meanings with slight contextual variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is behind schedule

More specific to deadlines and timelines.

it's fallen behind

Highlights the process of becoming behind.

it's lagging

Focuses on the state of being behind without specifying 'already'.

it's been surpassed

Highlights the idea of being overtaken by something else.

it is past due

Emphasizes that something should have been done earlier.

it's outdated now

Focuses on the lack of actuality.

it is belated

Implies lateness and delay.

it is no longer relevant

Emphasizes the lack of importance due to being behind.

it is obsolete

Focuses on the outdated status of something.

it's in the past

Focuses on the temporal aspect of something being behind.

FAQs

What does "it is already behind" mean?

The phrase "it is already behind" means that something is late, past due, or has not kept pace with a predetermined schedule or expectation. It implies that a deadline or target has been missed.

How can I use "it is already behind" in a sentence?

You can use "it is already behind" to describe projects, schedules, or payments that have missed their deadlines. For example, "The project "it is already behind" schedule and requires immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "it is already behind"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is behind schedule", "it is past due", or "it is lagging". These phrases can provide a similar meaning while varying the word choice.

Is it better to say "it is already behind" or "it is behind schedule"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it is behind schedule" is more specific and commonly used when referring to timelines and project management. "It is already behind" is a more general statement about something being late.