we are running behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are running behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you are delayed or not on schedule, often in the context of projects or tasks. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are running behind on the project timeline and will need to adjust our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

1pm: Since we are running behind, we skip cleanup to learn how to make chicken stock.

Huffington Post

"To hit the chancellor's borrowing goal for this year we needed to see borrowing down by an average of £1.5bn per month compared with the same month a year ago so we are running behind schedule already".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We were running behind in the mortgage, the car payments, the lights, the water, the phone.

The New York Times

Angle did not turn around and a member of her staff responded, "We're running behind, I'm sorry".

Huffington Post

If you are running behind, make sure you marinate it for at least two hours.

WikiHow

As long as we're running behind malware, we'll never be safe.

TechCrunch

When on the road, you'll forever find yourself flipping between overview maps, local maps, the "what to do" section for where you are, the "where to stay" section for where you're going, the "I'm hungry but we're running behind schedule so we are not where we planned to be" pages and the "oh no, somebody nicked my passport, now what the hell do I do?" chapter.

TechCrunch

It seems to me that we're running behind.

Vice

We panicked the entire time we were running behind schedule and were nervous to see her reaction for our lateness.

Huffington Post

"I was running behind and saw him miss," Walker said.

The New York Times - Sports

Andrews was running behind; from Big Shanty the raiders were still 110 miles south of Chattanooga.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are running behind" in professional communication, briefly explain the reason for the delay and outline steps to mitigate further setbacks. This demonstrates transparency and proactive problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly stating "we are running behind" without explaining the cause or offering potential solutions. This can create unnecessary anxiety and undermine confidence in your team's ability to manage the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are running behind" primarily functions as a statement indicating a delay or a failure to meet a predetermined schedule or deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are running behind" serves as a direct way to communicate delays or deviations from established schedules. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable, though context and audience should influence the choice of more formal alternatives when needed. Usage patterns reveal frequent appearances in news, media and informal contexts. Understanding the phrase's nuances helps ensure clarity and professionalism in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're behind schedule

Directly states that the project or task is not on time.

we're falling behind

Emphasizes the act of losing ground or progress.

we are lagging behind

Suggests a slower pace compared to others or a set target.

we're not on track

Indicates a deviation from the planned course or timeline.

we're delayed

A simple and direct way to express that progress has been halted or slowed.

we've missed the deadline

Highlights that a specific target date has already passed.

we're playing catch-up

Implies an effort to recover lost time or progress.

we're struggling to keep up

Emphasizes the difficulty in maintaining the required pace.

we're in arrears

A more formal term indicating a debt or obligation that is overdue.

we're losing time

Focuses on the irreversible nature of the delay.

FAQs

What does "we are running behind" mean?

The phrase "we are running behind" means that progress is slower than planned, causing a delay in meeting deadlines or achieving goals.

What can I say instead of "we are running behind"?

You can use alternatives like "we are behind schedule", "we are falling behind", or "we are lagging behind" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we are running behind" in a formal setting?

Yes, it is appropriate, but it's better to also provide context and solutions. In very formal settings, consider using "we are behind schedule" instead.

What's the difference between "we are running behind" and "we were running behind"?

"We are running behind" indicates a current state of being delayed, while "we were running behind" indicates a past state of being delayed.