running behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to be delayed or late. Example sentence: I'm running behind and won't be able to make it to the appointment on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was running behind and saw him miss," Walker said.

The New York Times - Sports

Running behind, hail taxi.

University of Chicago

You're running behind?

Huffington Post

"I'm always running behind," he acknowledged.

Huffington Post

Running behind, running late for lunch.

BMC Medical Education

This way if you're running behind, you're still on time.

WikiHow

If you are running behind, make sure you marinate it for at least two hours.

WikiHow

— when you're already running behind: 7.3.

The New Yorker

Running behind the fullback is still Steven Jackson.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I tend to be a running-behind kind of gal.

HuffPost

"What's it like [running behind Melei]?" Fuifui said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "running behind" in professional communication, briefly explain the reason for the delay and provide an estimated time for catching up. For example: "I'm running behind schedule due to a meeting overrun, but I'll catch up by the end of the day."

Common error

Avoid using "running behind" repeatedly without providing solutions or adjustments to your workflow. Continuously citing delays without addressing the root cause can undermine your reliability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running behind" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of a predicate to indicate a state of being delayed or not on schedule. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English, as evidenced by multiple examples of its use across various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running behind" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies being delayed or not on schedule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its use spans various contexts, from personal explanations to professional updates. While versatile, it's important to use it thoughtfully, providing context and solutions when communicating delays. While often neutral, avoiding overuse and focusing on solutions maintains credibility. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Science, and less so in formal business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind schedule

Specifically refers to not meeting a planned timetable.

falling behind

Suggests a gradual process of lagging, often in a competitive sense.

lagging behind

Implies a slower pace compared to others or a standard.

delayed

A general term for being late or held up.

held up

Suggests an external cause is preventing progress.

not on time

A straightforward expression of tardiness.

off track

Indicates a deviation from the intended course or plan.

getting late

Indicates the approach of being late

in arrears

More formal term indicating lateness, usually in financial or legal contexts.

tardy

A more formal or academic synonym for late.

FAQs

How can I use "running behind" in a sentence?

You can use "running behind" to indicate a delay. For example, "I'm "running behind" on the project deadline" or "The train is "running behind" schedule".

What's a more formal way to say "running behind"?

More formal alternatives to "running behind" include "behind schedule" or "lagging behind", which can be suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "I'm running behind"?

Alternatives include "I'm "behind schedule"", "I'm "delayed"", or "I'm "not on time"", depending on the specific situation.

Is it always negative to be "running behind"?

While "running behind" usually implies a negative situation, it can sometimes be neutral, especially when referring to a sports team that is "trailing" but still competitive. However, in most contexts, it indicates a delay or lack of progress.