projects derailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "projects derailed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations where planned projects have been disrupted or failed to proceed as intended. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, several projects were derailed, causing delays in our overall timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This scattered, shallow approach to managing multiple projects derailed Tara.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pessimists see a noble project derailed in part by the arrogance of Western powers — led by the United States — who use war-crimes prosecutions to selectively punish weak African thugs, while avoiding offense to authoritarian allies and evading accountability for their own transgressions.

The New Yorker

Camps suggest an Enlightenment project derailed.

Johns Hopkins University

Your project derails because of someone else's error, a competitor unexpectedly blows you away with a better product, the new CEO downplays your product area, a medical condition derails your plans.

Harvard Business Review

Often the reason why projects derail is the availability of the volunteer.

Forbes

As more building projects are derailed by water requirements, the pressure on farmers to share more of their water is expected to grow.

The New York Times

4) OK, but when projects get derailed, as some inevitably will be, the city will be sitting on a cache of unspent taxpayer money just waiting to be diverted to some council member's pet project.

Los Angeles Times

India's low-cost computer project was derailed for several months because of many unresolved issues between various parties involved, and was handed over to I.I.T. Bombay about three months ago.

The New York Times

The initial results were released on a 12-CD box set, but the album project was derailed: first Genesis P-Orridge left TG midway through a European tour, then Peter Sleazyy" Christopherson, apparently the driving force behind the project, died unexpectedly in his sleep in November 2010.

The Guardian - Music

In February, the project was derailed by Brussels for review.

Forbes

Sichuan officials first conceived of converting the Kham region into a province named Xikang (Kham-in-the-west) after the murder of a Qing imperial representative there in 1905, but their provincial project was derailed by the Chinese revolution of 1911.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing causes, follow "projects derailed" with a 'by' phrase (e.g., "projects derailed by funding cuts"). This clarifies the reason for the disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "projects derailed" in everyday, minor setbacks. Reserve it for situations where the disruption has significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "projects derailed" typically functions as a passive verb phrase, describing projects that have been stopped or significantly hindered. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "projects derailed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe situations where planned projects have been disrupted or have failed to proceed as intended. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's found commonly in news, academic, and business contexts, and while generally neutral, it can take on a professional tone in certain settings. Remember to use it appropriately for significant disruptions, and clarify the cause with a 'by' phrase. Understanding related phrases and common errors can further refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plans disrupted

Focuses on the disturbance and interruption of planned activities.

agendas stalled

Emphasizes the halting or slowing down of planned agendas.

initiatives thwarted

Emphasizes the prevention or obstruction of the initiatives.

efforts undermined

Stresses the weakening or damaging of the efforts involved.

schemes foiled

Highlights the frustration and prevention of elaborate or secret plans.

developments halted

Highlights the stopping or pausing of ongoing developments.

ambitions crushed

Conveys a strong sense of failure and disappointment in reaching goals.

programs abandoned

Focuses on the complete cessation of support or continuation of programs.

ventures aborted

Indicates the premature termination of projects, often due to unforeseen issues.

proposals scuttled

Suggests the deliberate sinking or abandonment of proposals.

FAQs

How can I use "projects derailed" in a sentence?

You can use "projects derailed" to describe situations where plans have been disrupted or have failed to progress as intended. For example, "The company's expansion plans were "projects derailed" due to the economic downturn".

What can I say instead of "projects derailed"?

You can use alternatives like "plans disrupted", "efforts undermined", or "agendas stalled" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "projects derailed" or "project derailed"?

"Projects derailed" (plural) refers to multiple projects facing disruption. "Project derailed" (singular) refers to a single project. The choice depends on whether you're discussing one or more projects.

What's the difference between "projects derailed" and "projects delayed"?

"Projects derailed" implies a more significant disruption, potentially leading to failure, whereas "projects delayed" suggests a temporary setback that postpones completion. "Projects delayed" are still expected to finish, just later than planned.