well past due

USAGE SUMMARY

"well past due" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that needs to be done, and it has not been done yet, and there has been a considerable amount of time that has passed since it was expected. For example: "The report is well past due, and we need to get it submitted as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is something that should have been changed decades ago and is well past due".

The Guardian - Business

Labor's spokeswoman for planning, environment and heritage, Penny Sharpe, said the apology had been a long time coming and was well past due.

The Guardian

The time for a more sober and accurate assessment of risk is well past due.

Huffington Post

Based on history, the economy is well past due for a recession after expanding for more than six years.

Los Angeles Times

After six generations of ruling Egypt, it seems like it was well past due and explains the large amount of Egyptian writing about this particular Cleopatra.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Because as Hansen himself warns, action is already well-past due.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is about time for all concerned to realize that the option to strike Iran — now or in the future — to stop it from becoming nuclear-weapons-capable is well past its due date.

The New York Times

Most three dimensional methods have performed less well in the past due to the fact that three dimensional descriptors have to deal with translational and rotational variance in addition to a potentially large number of conformations.

Chemistry Central Journal

Anecdotal discussions with clinicians across the UK would suggest that whatever the technical cut off age, many paediatric and CAMHS teams continue to see young people well past this age due to perceived difficulties transferring care to adult services.

BMC Psychiatry

Probably realizing they faced an uphill battle in revving up the crowd assembled for the world premiere of Keanu, which screened well past midnight on Saturday (due to daylight savings, the film didn't let out until 3.30am), sketch comedy duo Key and Peele came armed with a surprise: a crate-load of stuffed kittens.

The Guardian

The scarcity of these nomadic males suggests that they are not surviving as well as in the past, due to the disturbance that lions are facing on a nightly basis in parts of the Mara from livestock and herdsmen, or from trying to survive in less optimal areas beyond the reserve boundary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well past due" to emphasize the urgency of a situation where action is required immediately due to a significant delay. For example, "The decision on the merger is well past due, and further delay will negatively impact shareholder value."

Common error

Avoid using "well past due" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "considerably delayed" or "significantly overdue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well past due" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to a deadline or expected action. It adds emphasis to the state of being overdue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well past due" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize that something is significantly overdue, demanding prompt action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While appropriate for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. When writing, use "well past due" to highlight the urgency of a situation caused by a considerable delay, but avoid it in highly formal settings where more precise language is expected. Alternatives such as ""long overdue"" or ""considerably delayed"" may be more suitable in those instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long overdue

Emphasizes the extended duration of the delay, suggesting something should have been done much earlier.

long-delayed

Highlights the extensive delay, stressing that the thing has been late for a long time.

considerably delayed

Focuses on the significant extent of the delay, highlighting that it's more than just a little late.

significantly delayed

Focuses on the noticeable and substantial delay of something.

substantially late

Indicates a significant degree of tardiness.

seriously behind schedule

Highlights the deviation from the planned timeline, with a strong emphasis on the severity.

considerably behind

Highlights the extent of the lateness, showing a notable distance from the expected schedule.

way behind time

Informal way to express a task or event that is very late or delayed.

extensively postponed

Emphasizes the significant length of the postponement.

over its expiration date

Implies something has not only passed its deadline but is no longer valid or useful.

FAQs

How can I use "well past due" in a sentence?

You can use "well past due" to emphasize that something is considerably overdue. For example, "The payment is well past due, and we must take action immediately."

What are some alternatives to "well past due"?

Alternatives include "long overdue", "considerably delayed", or "seriously behind schedule".

Is "well past due" appropriate for formal writing?

While "well past due" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "significantly overdue" or "considerably delayed" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "past due" and "well past due"?

"Past due" simply indicates that something is overdue. "Well past due" adds emphasis, suggesting a significant or unacceptable amount of time has passed since the due date.