somewhat behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a project or task is not progressing as quickly as planned, but not significantly delayed. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are somewhat behind schedule on the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Robert Cary-WIlliams "I'm really, really busy," announces Robert Cary-Winliams, in the wired but not quite panicking voice of someone who was up working until five o'clock in the morning, overslept, and is now running somewhat behind schedule.

The Guardian

Rare is the nuclear commission that doesn't fall at least somewhat behind schedule, but fundamental problems with poorly trained subcontractors pouring substandard concrete for essential structures and improperly welded reactor containment suggested systemic problems with the quality standards and much-invoked "safety culture" at Areva.

The Guardian

While the city is, in general, making good progress on its agenda, some things are somewhat behind schedule.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That plant is running well over budget and behind schedule.

The New York Times

The majority, EY found, are over budget and behind schedule.

The Economist

That project is running well over budget and behind schedule.

The New York Times

Many are already over budget and behind schedule.

The Economist

And so I'm just a little behind schedule".

The New York Times

"Everything's behind schedule.

Huffington Post

I'm really behind schedule.

Vice

The plane landed 45 minutes behind schedule.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat behind schedule" to describe a situation where a project or task is slightly delayed but not critically so. It's useful for setting expectations and managing timelines realistically.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat behind schedule" when the delay is significant. Opt for phrases like "significantly behind schedule" or "considerably delayed" if the project is facing substantial setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat behind schedule" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically to describe the state or progress of a project or task. As noted by Ludwig, it's used to indicate a slight delay.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat behind schedule" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as validated by Ludwig. It indicates a slight delay in a project or task, suitable for neutral communication across various contexts, with a primary presence in news media. While not exceedingly common, it serves effectively to manage expectations and report project status realistically. Alternatives like "slightly delayed" or "a little off track" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember to reserve it for minor delays to avoid overstating the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat delayed

Simplifies the phrasing using 'delayed' as an adjective.

slightly off schedule

Replaces 'track' with 'schedule', maintaining the meaning of being slightly delayed.

slightly delayed

Focuses on the delay aspect, using a more common synonym for 'somewhat'.

moderately delayed

Replaces 'somewhat' with 'moderately' to indicate a similar degree of delay.

marginally delayed

Uses 'marginally' to suggest a slight degree of delay.

a little off track

Emphasizes a deviation from the planned course rather than a strict delay.

a bit behind

Simplifies the phrasing while retaining the core meaning of being delayed.

a shade behind schedule

Uses 'a shade' to indicate a very slight degree of being behind.

running a little late

Focuses on the concept of lateness instead of being 'behind schedule'.

a touch behind schedule

Emphasizes that only a small adjustment is necessary to get back on track.

FAQs

How to use "somewhat behind schedule" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat behind schedule" to indicate that a project or task is progressing slower than expected. For example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are "somewhat behind schedule" on the project timeline."

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

You can use alternatives like "slightly delayed", "a little off track", or "moderately delayed depending on the context.

Which is correct, "somewhat behind schedule" or "slightly behind schedule"?

Both ""somewhat behind schedule"" and "slightly behind schedule" are correct and interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, as they both indicate a minor delay.

What's the difference between "somewhat behind schedule" and "significantly behind schedule"?

"Somewhat behind schedule" suggests a minor delay that isn't critically impacting the project. "Significantly behind schedule", on the other hand, indicates a major delay that could affect project outcomes and timelines.