it is long overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is long overdue" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when something should have happened a long time ago, but still hasn't. For example: "The report was due two weeks ago, so it is long overdue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I asked my dad what he thinks of the apology, and he responded: "it is long overdue".

Vice

Why is China relaxing its one-child policy?Most say it is long overdue.

The Economist

Since its last eruption was almost exactly 93 years ago, it is long overdue for another, seismologists say.

The Guardian

It is long overdue for the Democratic Party to start framing its political positions — specifically those that deal with the welfare of those least fortunate — in moral language as well.

The New York Times

"It is long overdue," Mr. Cassano said.

The New York Times

I personally believe it is long overdue".

Independent

In one sense, it is long overdue.

The New Yorker

We believe it is long overdue.

The New York Times

It is possible and it is long overdue".

The Guardian

And that, in turn, is probably why it is long overdue to be renamed.

Independent

"It is long overdue for a police department in the U.S.," Dr. Haberfeld said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is long overdue" to express that an action or decision should have been taken much earlier. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and why its prompt completion is important.

Common error

Avoid using "it is long overdue" in situations where a task or decision is newly introduced, rather than having been delayed. The phrase implies a significant lapse in time and expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is long overdue" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that a particular action, decision, or event should have occurred much earlier than it actually did. As Ludwig AI states, it is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is long overdue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something should have happened a while ago and needs immediate attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, ensure the context clearly indicates a prior expectation or missed deadline to avoid misapplication. Alternatives like "it's about time" or "it should have happened ages ago" can add nuance depending on the specific message. Remember to check that the delay is really motivated before the use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's about time

Focuses on the timeliness, emphasizing the appropriateness of something happening now.

it should have happened ages ago

Highlights the extent of the delay, indicating a significant lapse in time.

it's high time

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of something happening now.

it's time this was done

Shifts the focus to the action needing completion, directly stating the requirement.

it was due a long time ago

Focuses on a specific due date that has passed, indicating a missed deadline.

it has been pending for ages

Highlights that something has been waiting for resolution or completion for a considerable time.

the time is ripe

Suggests that conditions are now perfect for something to happen, implying past unsuitability.

the moment is now

Emphasizes that action must be taken immediately, foregoing further delay.

it is imperative to

Shifts the focus to the critical necessity of taking a particular action without further delay.

we must act now

Focuses on the immediate need for action, emphasizing urgency and demand for initiative.

FAQs

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

Use "it is long overdue" to indicate that something should have happened or been done a considerable time ago. For example, "The reform of the healthcare system "it is long overdue"."

What are some alternatives to "it is long overdue"?

You can use alternatives like "it's about time", "it should have happened ages ago", or "it's high time" depending on the context.

What does "it is long overdue" imply?

It implies that there has been an unreasonable or unacceptable delay in something happening or being done, and that action should be taken immediately.

Is "it is long overdue" formal or informal?

"It is long overdue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news articles, professional discussions, and everyday conversations.