it is behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing timelines or deadlines that have not been met, typically in a professional or project management context. Example: "The project is behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, and we need to adjust our timeline accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This decision to go forward with the project, a robotic rover, was made even though it has tripled in cost since its inception, it is behind schedule, there is no firm estimate of the final cost, and NASA hasn't disclosed the collateral damage inflicted on other programs and activities that depend on NASA's limited science budget.

The New York Times

(2) It is behind schedule.

The Economist

But it is behind schedule in installing equipment and in training operators.

The Economist

The program's numerous critics say it is behind schedule and not up to even this challenge.

The New York Times

Work has started on a new £100m evaporator, but it is behind schedule, and probably won't come on stream before 2013.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is behind schedule by a year or more but, unlike the Hyatt, is actually being built; the construction manager, an Indian-born Canadian named Amin Alidina, gave us hard hats and pointed out where the health club and the beauty parlor would be.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In a blog post on November 26th Ms Wojcicki defended the quality of her company's products but admitted that it was "behind schedule" in its response to the FDA.

The Economist

The government has already had to acknowledge that it was behind schedule with its austerity plans, which are now expected to stretch beyond the next general election, scheduled for 2015.

The New York Times

A few weeks after we wrote that Motorola's cellular phone business was poised for a big rebound, chief executive Christopher Galvin resigned and the company confirmed it was behind schedule shipping some of its new camera phones.

Forbes

"I don't want to see an article saying it's behind schedule," he said.

The New York Times

The administration brushed aside suggestions that it was behind schedule and said it was stepping up efforts to carry out the law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is behind schedule", clearly state the reason for the delay to provide context and manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it is behind schedule" without providing any explanation or plan for rectification. Always include relevant details to maintain transparency and facilitate problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is behind schedule" primarily functions as a statement of fact, indicating that a particular task, project, or event is not progressing according to the planned timeline. Ludwig provides numerous examples to confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is behind schedule" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is delayed or not progressing as planned. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to communicate a delay, often requiring further discussion or action. The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, with a wide variety of sources that are well-regarded. Alternatives like "it is running late" or "it is delayed" offer similar meanings, and it's important to provide context when using the phrase to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is running late

This alternative indicates a delay, focusing on the ongoing nature of the lateness.

it is delayed

This option is a straightforward synonym, directly stating that something has been postponed or slowed down.

it is overdue

This phrase suggests that something should have been completed already.

it is off schedule

This phrase is similar to 'behind schedule' but uses 'off' to indicate deviation from the plan.

it has fallen behind

This suggests a gradual process of lagging in progress.

it is not on track

This alternative highlights that progress is not aligned with the planned timeline.

it is slipping

This alternative indicates a gradual decline in adherence to the schedule.

it is lagging

This phrase describes a slow pace compared to the intended speed.

it is not progressing as planned

This option is a more formal and explicit way of saying something is delayed.

it is behind the curve

This phrase implies being less advanced or developed than expected.

FAQs

What does "it is behind schedule" mean?

The phrase "it is behind schedule" means that a project, task, or event is not progressing according to the planned timeline and is delayed.

What can I say instead of "it is behind schedule"?

You can use alternatives like "it is running late", "it is delayed", or "it is overdue" depending on the context.

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

Use "it is behind schedule" for ongoing situations and "it was behind schedule" for situations that have been resolved or are in the past. For example, "The project is behind schedule, but we are working to catch up" versus "The project was behind schedule, but we completed it on time".

How can I avoid a project being "it is behind schedule"?

To avoid a project being "it is behind schedule", plan meticulously, set realistic deadlines, monitor progress regularly, communicate openly about challenges, and allocate resources effectively.