the schedule slipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the schedule slipped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a planned timeline or deadline has been delayed or pushed back. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule slipped, and we will need to adjust our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Soon enough, reality again asserted itself: the schedule slipped, and costs rose.

The New Yorker

Nasa hoped to launch Hubble in 1983, but the schedule slipped.

The Guardian

The cost of extending shuttle flights past September has already been covered by Congress, which allocated $600 million to cover potential shuttle operations in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, in case the schedule slipped.

The New York Times - Science

As the schedule slipped, says Turner, some staffers may have felt pressure to hurry up.

Science Magazine

The two magazines were placed on bimonthly schedules, arranged to alternate with each other, though the schedule slipped slightly with the fifth issue of Fantastic Novels, dated April 1941 but following the January 1941 issue.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But if the schedule slips much further, it seems less likely that the Southern Company could install planned new reactors of this type, Vogtle 3 and 4, on schedule in 2016 and 2017.

The New York Times

This paper will describe space instrument system that was deployed, and provide a hypothesis on how the strategy could have minimized the schedule slips within the bounds of cost and quality.

Procedia Computer Science

"The chip business is a tough business and the schedule slips happen quite often," he says.

Forbes

In 1931 the schedule slipped to bimonthly, and three issues later the magazine ceased publication, probably because readers grew bored: the limited scope meant that the contents of the magazine eventually became predictable.

Wikipedia

After its cost doubled and its schedule slipped five years, that project was sundered by the Obama administration.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush's personal assistant, Logan Walters, who is charged with keeping him on schedule, slipped back into his suit jacket each time he entered the Oval Office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting project timelines, use "the schedule slipped" to clearly communicate that a delay has occurred. Ensure to provide context on the reasons for the delay and any adjustments made to the overall plan.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the schedule slipped" without providing context. Always explain briefly why the delay occurred and what steps are being taken to mitigate further delays. Lack of explanation can lead to uncertainty and mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the schedule slipped" functions as a declarative statement indicating a delay in a planned timeline. As Ludwig AI highlights, this is a common expression used to communicate that an event or project is not proceeding according to the original timetable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the schedule slipped" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrase used to indicate a delay in a planned timeline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English to convey that a deadline has been pushed back. While generally neutral in tone, it is often used in news, science, and wiki contexts, although academic or formal business communications might benefit from more elaborate phrasing. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context on the reasons for the delay to avoid confusion and maintain transparency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the timeline was delayed

Replaces "schedule" with "timeline" and uses "delayed" instead of "slipped", focusing on the postponement of the entire plan.

the project fell behind schedule

Emphasizes the project's failure to meet its planned deadlines, highlighting the deviation from the intended timetable.

the deadline was extended

Specifically focuses on the extension of a final date, implying a shift in the completion target.

the launch was postponed

Highlights a delay in the initiation or commencement of an event or project.

the timetable was adjusted

Indicates that the plan has been altered to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or delays.

the project encountered delays

Emphasizes that the project experienced hold-ups, signifying a setback in progress.

the original plan was derailed

Suggests a more significant disruption, where the project has been diverted from its initial course.

the delivery date was pushed back

Focuses on the postponement of the date when something is expected to be delivered or completed.

progress was impeded

Highlights that the progression of the project was hindered, implying a slowing down of advancement.

the initiative was set back

Indicates a setback in the progress of the project.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "the schedule slipped"?

When someone says "the schedule slipped", it means that a planned timeline or deadline has been delayed or pushed back. This indicates that an event or project will not be completed as originally planned.

What are some alternatives to saying "the schedule slipped"?

You can use alternatives like "the timeline was delayed", "the project fell behind schedule", or "the deadline was extended" depending on the context.

How can I use "the schedule slipped" in a sentence?

You can use "the schedule slipped" in a sentence like this: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule slipped, and we will need to adjust our project timeline."

Is "the schedule slipped" formal or informal?

The phrase "the schedule slipped" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might prefer alternatives like "the timeline was delayed".