well overdue

USAGE SUMMARY

"well overdue" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to describe something that should have happened a long time ago but has still not happened. For example: "This issue has been long ignored and is now well overdue for resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Official oversight is well overdue.

The Guardian - Money

A period of consolidation is well overdue.

The Guardian - Opinion

A visit to the Bell House is well overdue.

The New York Times - Arts

It's well overdue," academic and community leader Pat Dodson said.

The Guardian

A truly comprehensive peace settlement is well overdue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like a viral pandemic, we're well overdue something big.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A heavyweight new national banking entrant is well overdue.

The Guardian - Business

Many feel that a third Oscar is well overdue.

The Guardian - Film

This arcane system is now well overdue for reform.

The Guardian

A review of existing quangos is well overdue.

The Guardian

Serious improvements to free speech are well overdue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well overdue" to emphasize that an action or event should have happened much earlier. For example, "The software update is well overdue, and users are eagerly awaiting the new features."

Common error

Avoid using "well overdue" in highly formal or technical documents. While generally acceptable, it can be perceived as slightly informal. Consider alternatives like "long past due" or "considerably delayed" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well overdue" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or concept to indicate that something should have happened a significant time ago. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well overdue" is a commonly used adjective phrase that emphasizes the significant lateness of an event or action. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, confirming that it expresses the idea that something should have happened a considerable time ago. It's primarily found in News & Media contexts, reflecting its suitability for conveying a sense of urgency and importance. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to consider more formal alternatives in highly technical or academic settings. As demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, it is often used to prompt action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long past due

Emphasizes the lateness of an event or action, highlighting the passing of a significant amount of time.

long delayed

Focuses on the extended period of waiting or postponement.

far behind schedule

Indicates a significant deviation from the planned timeline.

considerably delayed

Emphasizes the substantial extent to which something has been delayed.

badly delayed

Highlights the negative consequences or inconvenience caused by the delay.

overripe

Suggests something is not just late, but potentially spoiled or negatively impacted by the delay.

chronically late

Implies a habitual pattern of lateness or delay.

over the limit

Suggests exceeding a permissible or reasonable time frame.

beyond its time

Implies something has exceeded its appropriate or expected duration.

stale

Suggests something has lost its freshness or relevance due to the delay.

FAQs

How can I use "well overdue" in a sentence?

You can use "well overdue" to express that something should have happened a long time ago and is now late. For example, "The repairs to the bridge are "well overdue", posing a risk to public safety."

What can I say instead of "well overdue"?

You can use alternatives such as "long past due", "long delayed", or "considerably delayed" depending on the context.

Is "well overdue" a formal expression?

While "well overdue" is widely understood and accepted, it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. In strictly formal settings, consider using phrases like "long past due".

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

The phrase "well overdue" emphasizes that something is significantly late, more so than simply saying "overdue". The "well" amplifies the sense of delay.