they were overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were overdue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was expected to happen or be completed by a certain time but did not occur within that timeframe. Example: "The library books they borrowed were overdue, and they had to pay a fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We initiated them because they were overdue.

The New York Times

Pointing out to a group of local reporters and camera crews that having an Australian referee for each of England's first three games of the tournament had not done his team any favours, and suggesting that they were overdue an official from the northern hemisphere for Saturday's semi-final against New Zealand.

The Guardian - Sport

Higher risk patients were excluded from randomization due to ethical concerns; clinicians were notified if chart review revealed they were overdue for screening.

BMC Health Services Research

We sent letters by first-class mail, signed by each PCP, notifying patients that they were overdue for colorectal cancer screening, and that a patient navigator would be calling them.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"They are overdue".

The New York Times

They're overdue.

The Guardian

Might I suggest they are overdue?

The New York Times - Sports

The new requirements, or something very similar, will take effect soon; in fact, they are overdue.

The New York Times - Health

And if they have not been repotted yearly they are overdue for a change.

The New York Times

But the heat may be more intense on several players who believe they are overdue to win a major.

The New York Times - Sports

They are overdue for a follow-up to their last release, the 2010 album "Belle and Sebastian Write About Love" (Rough Trade).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were overdue", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "they" refers to and what the expected deadline or event was. For example, "The payments were overdue, and late fees were applied".

Common error

Avoid using "they were overdue" without clearly establishing what "they" represents. Ambiguity can confuse readers. Instead of "They were overdue", specify "The reports were overdue, and the manager requested an update".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were overdue" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a plural subject has passed a designated deadline or expected time. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were overdue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates something has passed its expected deadline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a descriptive statement, serving to inform about missed deadlines across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase is best used with clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they were late" or "they were past due" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were late

This alternative is more direct and focuses on the aspect of not being on time.

they were past due

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes that a deadline has been missed.

they were behind schedule

This alternative highlights the fact that progress is slower than planned.

they were delayed

This alternative focuses on the fact that something was postponed or held up.

they were outstanding

This alternative emphasizes that something remains to be done or completed.

they were inexcusable

This alternative introduces the concept of the reason of delay: delay or lack of action it's not accepted.

they were not yet completed

This alternative states explicitly that the objects being referred to has not achieved completion.

they were derelict

This alternative means they failed to do what they should have.

they were slow

This alternative focuses on the slowness/lack of action.

they were remiss

This alternative focuses on their fault in neglecting

FAQs

What does "they were overdue" mean?

The phrase "they were overdue" indicates that something or someone was expected to arrive, happen, or be completed by a certain time, but that time has passed. It implies a missed deadline or expectation.

What can I say instead of "they were overdue"?

You can use alternatives like "they were late", "they were past due", or "they were behind schedule" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they were overdue"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, using the pronoun "they", the past tense of the verb "to be" ("were"), and the adjective "overdue".

How do I use "they were overdue" in a sentence?

Use "they were overdue" to describe items, tasks, or payments that have passed their expected deadline. For example: "The library books "they were overdue", so I had to pay a fine."