running behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation in which a task, project, or event is taking longer to complete than expected or required. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts. For example, you could say: "We are running behind schedule and need to finish the report by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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 program is running behind schedule.

The Washington Post

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

GENEVA — Christoph Grainger-Herr was 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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "running behind schedule", clearly identify the specific project, task, or event that is experiencing the delay to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We are running behind schedule", specify "The software development project is running behind schedule due to unforeseen technical challenges".

Common error

Avoid overusing "running behind schedule" as a generic explanation without providing specific reasons or solutions. Instead of simply stating the delay, offer a brief explanation of the cause and the steps being taken to rectify the situation. This demonstrates accountability and proactive problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running behind schedule" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a noun (project, event, etc.) as being delayed or not on time. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running behind schedule" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is delayed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As evidenced by the numerous examples, this phrase is frequently used in news, business, and general contexts to communicate delays in projects, events, or other planned activities. While it's a straightforward expression, it's important to use it with specific details to provide context and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "falling behind schedule" or "delayed" for stylistic variation. Understanding its usage and potential pitfalls ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling behind schedule

This phrase directly replaces "running" with "falling", maintaining the core meaning but suggesting a gradual decline in adherence to the schedule.

off schedule

This is a simple and direct way of saying that something is not following the planned timeline.

delayed

This is a shorter, more concise way of saying something is "running behind schedule". It focuses on the state of being late without emphasizing the process.

behind time

This alternative uses "time" instead of "schedule", which is semantically similar but provides a slightly less formal tone.

not on track

This phrase implies that progress is not aligned with the intended goals or milestones.

lagging behind

This suggests that something is not progressing as quickly as it should be, often in comparison to others or to a set standard.

slipping

This implies a gradual deviation from the planned schedule, often indicating a loss of control or momentum.

overdue

This term suggests that something is past its deadline and should have been completed already.

behind the curve

This idiom suggests being late or not up-to-date compared to the expected progress or standards.

in arrears

This is a more formal way of saying that something is behind, often used in financial or administrative contexts.

FAQs

What does "running behind schedule" mean?

The phrase "running behind schedule" means that a task, project, or event is taking longer to complete than originally planned or expected. It indicates a delay in meeting deadlines or milestones.

What can I say instead of "running behind schedule"?

You can use alternatives like "falling behind schedule", "delayed", or "off schedule" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "run behind schedule" instead of "running behind schedule"?

While "running behind schedule" is the more common and natural phrasing, "run behind schedule" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, such as when used as an infinitive (e.g., "We don't want to run behind schedule").

What are common reasons for "running behind schedule"?

Common reasons include unforeseen technical difficulties, resource constraints, scope creep, poor planning, and external factors such as weather or supply chain disruptions.