slightly off schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly off schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is not occurring at the expected time, but only by a small margin. Example: "The train is slightly off schedule, but it should arrive within the next few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The reports from German Intelligence were slightly off schedule, as both the inbound and outbound convoys were in port when the Germans reached their normal route so Admiral Scheer ordered the fleet to return to Germany without spotting any British ships.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Slightly off".

The New York Times

And a slightly "off" taste.

Cornell University

Does your dinner taste slightly off?

The New York Times - Arts

So far, it is way off schedule.

The New York Times

The rain, however, may again throw things off schedule.

The New York Times

Woozy and slightly off in the most endearing way.

The Guardian - Music

We've been slightly off the boil".

BBC

You're off schedule.

Huffington Post

Don't get off schedule.

Huffington Post

You're just so off schedule.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly off schedule", ensure the context clearly indicates the schedule being referenced. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly off schedule" when the deviation is significant. Overstating a small delay might undermine the seriousness of a major issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly off schedule" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent to which an event or activity deviates from its intended or planned timing. Ludwig indicates it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly off schedule" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe minor deviations from a planned timetable. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, this expression is suitable for neutral contexts. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier to convey that something is not happening exactly as expected but that the difference is not significant. Related phrases include "a bit behind schedule" and "marginally delayed", providing alternative ways to express similar ideas. Ensure clear context when using this phrase and avoid using it to downplay serious delays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly delayed

Direct synonym that emphasizes a bit of lateness.

a bit behind schedule

This phrase suggests a small delay or lag in meeting the expected timeline.

marginally delayed

Indicates a delay, but only to a small degree.

somewhat delayed

Suggests a degree of lateness, less precise than "slightly".

a little late

Informal way of expressing a small deviation in timing.

somewhat behind time

Similar to "a bit behind schedule", but with a slightly more formal tone.

not quite on time

Indicates a failure to adhere to the exact schedule without specifying the degree of lateness.

a hair behind schedule

Colloquial, meaning insignificantly delayed.

running a little late

Implies ongoing progress, but at a slower pace than anticipated.

somewhat out of sync

Implies a lack of alignment rather than a simple delay.

FAQs

What does "slightly off schedule" mean?

It means that something is a little bit later or earlier than planned, or not happening exactly when it's expected to.

How can I use "slightly off schedule" in a sentence?

You can say, "The meeting is "slightly off schedule", but we expect to start within five minutes".

What can I say instead of "slightly off schedule"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit behind schedule", "marginally delayed", or "somewhat delayed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly off schedule" or "a bit off schedule"?

Both are correct, but "slightly off schedule" may sound a bit more formal than "a bit off schedule".