they were due

USAGE SUMMARY

"they were due" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is expected to occur at a specific time. For example, "They were due to arrive at 6:30, but they didn't show up until 8:00."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The official they were due to meet never showed up.

The New York Times

They were due to be introduced from September 2015.

The Guardian

They were due to include economic and financial crimes.

Independent

They were due back in session Tuesday morning.

The New York Times

They were due to meet rebel representatives on October 3rd.

The Economist

They were "due a spanking," Mr. Layne said.

The New York Times

They were due to change trains in Lille.

Independent

They were due to be interviewed this afternoon although no charges have yet been laid.

The Guardian - Sport

On the day they were due back, Colonel Pioli was on pins and needles.

The New York Times

They were due to arrive on Monday night for their physicals.

The New York Times - Sports

They were due to stand trial next month but pleaded guilty in a hearing on Friday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were due", ensure that the context clearly establishes who "they" refers to and what they were expected to do. Provide specific details about the expected event or deadline for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were due" without a clear antecedent for "they". Readers should not have to guess who or what is being referred to. Always specify the subject to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were due" functions as a descriptor of a scheduled or expected event. It sets an anticipation regarding a certain timing. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable and grammatically correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were due" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate an expected event or obligation at a specific time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to describe schedules or anticipated occurrences. The phrase is versatile across various contexts, mainly in news, as well as business and formal settings. Related phrases like "they were scheduled to" and "they were expected to" can serve as alternatives, though "they were due" often conveys a stronger sense of a definite timeframe. When writing, ensure that the referent of "they" is unambiguous to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were scheduled to

Focuses on a formal plan or schedule.

they were expected to

Emphasizes anticipation or likelihood rather than a firm deadline.

they were supposed to

Implies an obligation or agreement, possibly informal.

they had a date for

Uses the word "date" indicating a specific point in time for something to take place.

they were timetabled to

Highlights the planning and organization aspect.

they were on the verge of

Indicates an imminent event or occurrence.

their arrival was set for

Focuses specifically on the act of arriving or appearing.

the deadline for them was

Highlights the final date or time for completion.

they were about to

Emphasizes immediacy and nearness in time.

they had a rendezvous on

Implies a meeting at a particular time and place.

FAQs

How can I use "they were due" in a sentence?

Use "they were due" to indicate that something was scheduled or expected to happen at a particular time. For example, "They were due to arrive at noon, but the flight was delayed."

What's a more formal way to say "they were due"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "they were scheduled to" or "they were expected to", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly more professional tone.

What's the difference between "they were due" and "they were supposed to"?

While both phrases suggest an expectation, "they were due" often implies a more definite schedule or deadline, whereas "they were supposed to" can indicate a general understanding or agreement that may be less firm.

Can "they were due" be used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts?

Yes, "they were due" can refer to inanimate objects or abstract concepts that have scheduled events or expected outcomes. For example, "The report was due on Friday", or "The funds were due for release next month."