ran behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a task or project is not completed within the expected time frame. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project ran behind schedule, causing delays in the overall timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although the Games reportedly cost more than $50 billion—making them the most expensive Olympics, summer or winter, ever held the construction of venues and other buildings ran behind schedule, and some early news reports detailed such problems as half-finished hotels that lacked basic amenities, including clean running water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Beach rentals on the Jersey Shore are running behind schedule as families try to guess when the weather roulette will come up bright and shiny for them.

The New York Times

Here are the growing costs of the projects at the design and planning phase: And here are ones under construction: No, as the chart below shows, most of the projects under construction are running behind schedule as well as over budget.

The Guardian

However, Washington was running behind schedule as he had planned to attack and capture the British outposts before dawn and capture the garrison shortly afterward.

Wikipedia

The event was running behind schedule.

The New York Times

1.10pm: The conference is running behind schedule.

The Guardian

The festival is running behind schedule and lacks coherence.

The Economist

The S.E.C., more than any other agency, is running behind schedule.

The New York Times

"I am constantly on the go, and I am often running behind schedule," he said.

The New York Times

When buses are running behind schedule, the network automatically extends green lights in bus-only lanes.

The New York Times

Airport upgrades are running behind schedule too, and more than half are just temporary fixes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

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

Common error

Avoid using "run behind schedule" when referring to a past event. Use "ran behind schedule" for past events, "is running behind schedule" for current situations, and "will run behind schedule" if predicting a future delay.

How to use

Learn how to use "ran behind schedule" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran behind schedule" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating that something, such as a project or event, did not adhere to its planned timeline. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's used to convey that progress was slower than expected, resulting in a delay.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ran behind schedule" accurately describes a situation where a project or event experienced delays and did not meet its planned timeline. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and generally well-received. Although its use is currently considered relatively rare in the analyzed data, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, provide context for the delay and consider alternative, more formal options like "experienced delays" for professional settings. Avoid tense confusion by using the correct past tense form, "ran", and understand its use in various sentence structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell behind schedule

Uses a different verb to describe the act of becoming delayed.

lagged behind schedule

Emphasizes a slower pace causing the delay.

got delayed

A more general term for experiencing a delay.

was delayed

Passive voice emphasizing the state of being delayed.

slipped its deadline

Focuses on missing a specific deadline.

missed the deadline

Directly states the failure to meet a deadline.

was behind target

Indicates a failure to meet a pre-defined target.

was not on track

Emphasizes deviation from the planned progress.

encountered setbacks

Highlights the occurrence of obstacles causing delay.

progressed slower than planned

Focuses on the reduced speed of progress.

FAQs

How can I use "ran behind schedule" in a sentence?

You can use "ran behind schedule" to describe a project, event, or task that did not meet its expected timeline. For example, "The project "ran behind schedule" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's a more formal alternative to "ran behind schedule"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "experienced delays", "deviated from the projected timeline", or "failed to meet the established deadlines". These alternatives offer a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "run behind schedule" or "ran behind schedule"?

"Ran behind schedule" is the correct past tense form. "Run behind schedule" is used in the present tense when describing a habitual action or with a helping verb (e.g., "They often "run behind schedule"").

What are common reasons for a project to "run behind schedule"?

Projects may "run behind schedule" due to a variety of reasons, including underestimation of task complexity, unforeseen technical difficulties, resource constraints, or scope creep.