substantially overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially overdue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly past its expected deadline or due date. Example: "The report is substantially overdue, and we need to address the delays immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was well overdue.

Vice

Having steadily increased iPhone prices for over a decade, this year Apple will not only reduce them substantially but bundle long overdue features.

Forbes

Much overdue".

The Guardian - Music

It is way overdue.

University of California, Berkeley

"That's overdue.

The New York Times

I am really overdue".

Independent

They are already overdue.

The New York Times

Reform was long overdue.

Independent

Not substantially.

The Guardian

"Reform is long overdue".

The New York Times

He was long overdue.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially overdue", ensure the context clearly indicates what is past its deadline. For example, specify "the report is substantially overdue" rather than just saying "it's substantially overdue".

Common error

Avoid using "substantially overdue" for minor delays. This phrase implies a significant and problematic level of lateness. Use less emphatic alternatives like "slightly late" for less critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially overdue" functions as a modifier, specifically an adverb ("substantially") modifying an adjective ("overdue"). It describes the degree to which something is late or past its expected time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to emphasize the significance of the delay.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantially overdue" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid expression used to describe something significantly past its deadline. As Ludwig AI indicates, this combination effectively communicates the importance and extent of the delay, making it suitable for neutral to professional contexts. While not frequently used, it serves as a more emphatic alternative to simpler terms like "overdue" or "late". Its usage is primarily observed in news and media sources, emphasizing the importance of careful selection and usage of such expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Substantially delayed

Synonymous, with less stress on something expected. Replaces overdue with the word delayed

Substantially behind

Synonymous, with less stress on something expected. Replaces overdue with the word behind

Significantly delayed

Emphasizes the delay's importance. Replaces 'overdue' with 'delayed'.

Considerably late

Highlights the extent of the lateness. Replaces 'substantially' with 'considerably' and 'overdue' with 'late'.

Long past due

Focuses on the passing of the due date. Replaces 'substantially' with 'long' and uses 'past due' instead of 'overdue'.

Well past its deadline

Explicitly mentions the deadline. Introduces 'deadline' to replace 'overdue'.

Far behind schedule

Highlights the deviation from the planned timeline. Uses 'behind schedule' instead of 'overdue'.

Extremely tardy

Emphasizes the high degree of lateness. Replaces 'substantially' with 'extremely' and 'overdue' with 'tardy'.

Grossly behind time

Focuses on the severity of the delay. Introduces 'behind time' instead of 'overdue'.

Considerably deferred

Indicates postponement. Uses 'deferred' to replace 'overdue'.

FAQs

How to use "substantially overdue" in a sentence?

Use "substantially overdue" to describe something significantly past its deadline. For example: "The project's completion date is "substantially overdue", requiring immediate action".

What can I say instead of "substantially overdue"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly delayed", "considerably late", or "long past due" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "substantially overdue" formal or informal?

"Substantially overdue" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for professional or news contexts. In more casual settings, simpler phrases like "very late" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "overdue" and "substantially overdue"?

"Overdue" simply indicates something is past its deadline. "Substantially overdue" emphasizes that it is significantly, not just slightly, late.