long time overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long time overdue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something should have happened much earlier than it actually did, often implying a sense of urgency or necessity. Example: "The report is long time overdue, and we need to submit it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was probably a long time overdue".

The New York Times - Sports

Long long time overdue.

BBC

I think it's a long time overdue.

BBC

Southend United manager Phil Brown told BBC Essex: "[A win was a] long time overdue, to tell you the truth.

BBC

I think its overdue, a long time overdue.

Vice

There was something in the air, freedom a long time overdue, and we're going to fight for it.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Instead, it had two crack teams, two grand soccer traditions, testing each other for a long time until overdue Spain defeated the overdue Netherlands, 1-0, with a goal by Andrés Iniesta in the 116th minute, that is, four minutes away from the dreaded penalty kicks.

The New York Times - Sports

IT WAS a long time coming, and much overdue.

The Economist

It's been a long time coming; some say it's overdue.

BBC

"To find a script that treated those men and women with dignity and respect was a long time coming and it was long overdue.

BBC

After the extended London engagement, is there some long overdue time off?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long time overdue" to emphasize a sense of anticipation or frustration about something that has been delayed. For example, "This policy change is 'long time overdue', and it's crucial for our company's success."

Common error

Avoid using "long time overdue" for minor delays or situations where the delay isn't significant. For instance, saying "My coffee is 'long time overdue'" is an overstatement if you've only been waiting a few minutes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long time overdue" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something has been delayed for a considerable period. It's used to express that an event or action should have occurred much earlier. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long time overdue" is a phrase that indicates a significant delay, conveying a sense that something should have happened much sooner. As Ludwig AI shows, this expression is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like ""long overdue"" are more concise, "long time overdue" adds emphasis to the duration of the delay. It's suitable for neutral settings and serves to highlight the importance or necessity of the delayed action. It's important to reserve its use for truly significant delays and not trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long overdue

Shorter, more common variation with the same core meaning.

well overdue

Emphasizes that something is significantly past the expected time.

long time coming

Focuses on the extended period leading up to an event.

overdue by far

Adds emphasis to how delayed something is.

considerably delayed

Formally states that something has been postponed significantly.

much delayed

Short and direct way to point out a delay

delayed for ages

Highlights that the action has been delayed for a long period.

way past due

Indicates that something is significantly late or beyond its deadline.

delayed since forever

Emphasizes that the action has been delayed for a very long period.

a long time delayed

Highlights the protracted duration of the delay.

FAQs

What does "long time overdue" mean?

The phrase "long time overdue" signifies that something should have happened or been done much earlier than it actually did. It often carries a tone of anticipation, relief, or even mild frustration that the event or action was delayed.

How can I use "long time overdue" in a sentence?

You can use "long time overdue" to describe events, actions, or decisions that have been significantly delayed. For instance: "The company's response to the crisis was "long overdue" and did little to reassure investors."

What can I say instead of "long time overdue"?

Alternatives include "long overdue", "well overdue", or "long time coming", depending on the context. These phrases all convey the idea that something was significantly delayed.

Is it better to say "long overdue" or "long time overdue"?

While both phrases are acceptable, ""long overdue"" is more commonly used and concise. "Long time overdue" adds a bit more emphasis on the duration of the delay.