overdue thanks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overdue thanks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing gratitude that has been delayed or not given in a timely manner. Example: "I want to extend my overdue thanks to everyone who supported me during my difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This long-overdue thanks is to let you know that you have taught me the greatest lesson of all: that we can profoundly change the lives of anyone we come in contact with, and while we may not always know if we do, I wanted you to know that in this case you have made a world of difference.

Huffington Post

But now the disorder is getting some overdue attention, thanks in part to the talk-show host Rosie O'Donnell and her 10-year-old son, Blake, who has A.P.D.

The New York Times

A handsome stone memorial in the city's main park, dedicated in 2011, is an "overdue" statement of thanks for military service, says the mayor, Tom Blake.

The Economist

The president's power to set the media agenda is also evident in what people aren't writing about today -- the remote-controlled targeted-killing program, which recently made its long-overdue lurch into the news thanks to Obama's nomination of George W. Bush holdover John Brennan as CIA director.

Huffington Post

The brave crewmen deserve our thanks, which are long overdue.

The New York Times - Books

"Now, thanks to this long overdue change in the law, employees of all ages will be able to ask their boss to alter the way they work, regardless of whether they have dependents or caring responsibilities.

The Guardian

They're realizing the long overdue promise of the "mobile workforce," thanks to sophisticated business applications that let them collaborate and communicate from mobile devices and the iPad.

TechCrunch

For instance, the integration of foreigners should become smoother thanks to the long-overdue decision to modify an 85-year-old law that made ancestry, not residence, the determinant of who is German.

The Economist

They managed this thanks to a few wise, if overdue, moves by Coach Mike Woodson to plant Amar'e Stoudemire and Jason Kidd on the bench, writes Ian O'Connor on ESPN.com, and beat the Pacers Thursday night.

The New York Times - Sports

It's now been over three months since I've adopted the cord-cutting lifestyle, thanks to finally following through on a long overdue New Year's Resolution.

TechCrunch

Sophie, played by Jaay, is a blogger gone awol – her latest batch of posts is overdue, but she's more preoccupied by best friend Martin's departure, thanks to a visa crackdown.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "overdue thanks", ensure the context clearly explains why the thanks are delayed. Providing a specific reason can add sincerity and clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "overdue thanks" without providing context. Readers might not understand why the thanks are delayed, leading to confusion or a perception of insincerity. Always briefly explain the reason for the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overdue thanks" functions as a noun phrase, where "overdue" modifies the noun "thanks". It's typically used to express that an expression of gratitude is being given later than it should have been. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is usually followed by an explanation of the reason for the delay.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overdue thanks" is a way of expressing gratitude while acknowledging that the thanks are being given later than expected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, but is also suitable for formal business communication. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context for the delay to ensure sincerity and clarity. Alternatives such as "belated gratitude" and "long-delayed appreciation" can also be used, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Belated gratitude

Focuses on the lateness of the expression of gratitude.

Long-delayed appreciation

Emphasizes the extended period before appreciation was shown.

Tardy thankfulness

Highlights the delay in expressing thankfulness.

Overdue acknowledgement

Shifts focus to acknowledging someone's contribution.

Better late than never thanks

Uses a common idiom to justify the delay.

A long-awaited expression of gratitude

Highlights anticipation and delay in the expression of thanks.

Finally expressing my thanks

Focuses on the action of finally giving thanks.

A delayed thank you

Simplifies the phrasing to indicate the lateness of the thank you.

Thanking you after a long delay

Emphasizes the long period before the expression of thanks.

Giving thanks at long last

Indicates a sense of finality and belatedness in giving thanks.

FAQs

How can I use "overdue thanks" in a sentence?

You can use "overdue thanks" to express gratitude that should have been given earlier. For example, "I wanted to offer my "overdue thanks" for your patience and understanding during the project delay."

What's a more formal alternative to "overdue thanks"?

A more formal alternative would be "belated gratitude" or "long-delayed appreciation". These phrases carry a similar meaning but are suitable for more formal contexts.

Is it ever too late to offer "overdue thanks"?

While it's always best to express gratitude promptly, offering "overdue thanks" is generally better than not expressing it at all. Just ensure your explanation is sincere and acknowledges the delay.

Can I use "overdue thanks" in business correspondence?

Yes, "overdue thanks" can be used in business correspondence, especially when acknowledging past assistance or support. However, it's important to explain the reason for the delay to maintain professionalism.