were already due

USAGE SUMMARY

"were already due" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something was expected to have happened before the present moment. For example: "The final papers were already due by today, but several students had not yet submitted them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Those antiquated Jupiters, deployed in the early post-Sputnik scare, were already due for removal, but Kennedy would not do so under Soviet threat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While self-driving pods and shuttles were already due to operate on pavements in Greenwich and Milton Keynes this summer, the Swedish carmaker is planning to test autonomous vehicles on public roads in the capital from 2017.

The Guardian - Tech

But just as the sleaze that racked the last Tory government only amplified the defeat they were already due to suffer in 1997, so this scandal only reinforces the likely outcome of the next election: a loss for Labour, and grudging approval for the Tories.Amid the din of recrimination, some MPs' plaintive wails deserve to be heard.

The Economist

All of them, however, were among the weaker cajas, or savings banks, that were already due to tap into a 99-billion-euro state restructuring fund and get absorbed in a consolidation round aimed at cutting the number of cajas to about 20 from 45.

The New York Times

CSKA were already due to play Bayern behind closed doors as punishment for racist chanting by fans last season.

BBC

The armed forces were already due to provide some 13,500 personnel to help at the Games, with more available as a contingency plan.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Traffic through the canal is already due to decrease.

The New York Times

England are already due to face Scotland at Eden Park in their final pool fixture.

The Guardian - Sport

The F.C.C. is already due to report soon on that review, Mr. Fisk said.

The New York Times

The allowance currently stands at £7,475 and is already due to rise by £630 in April.

The Guardian

He was already due at the home of a minister for supper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were already due", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reference point in time. For example, specify the deadline or expected date to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were already due" in situations where the event or action is still ongoing or has not yet reached its deadline. Use a different tense, such as "are currently due" or "will be due", to reflect the correct timing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were already due" functions as a predicate adjective describing a past state of obligation or expectation. It indicates that something should have been completed or received by a certain time in the past, as supported by examples on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were already due" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a past obligation or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the temporal context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "were scheduled previously" or "were expected earlier" for nuanced meaning. Remember to use the correct tense based on the subject. In summary, "were already due" is a useful phrase for conveying past deadlines and expectations with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were scheduled previously

Replaces 'already due' with a more formal and direct indication of prior scheduling.

were expected earlier

Emphasizes the expectation of something happening before the current time, instead of just being due.

were slated in advance

Uses 'slated' to suggest a formal or official prior arrangement.

had been arranged beforehand

Focuses on the arrangement and its timing relative to the present.

were previously agreed upon

Highlights the agreement aspect of a past scheduling or expectation.

had been anticipated

Shifts the focus to the anticipation of an event rather than its formal scheduling.

were timed to happen earlier

Specifies the timing element with a direct comparison to the present.

were set for a prior date

Emphasizes the establishment of a specific earlier date.

had been prearranged

Underscores the prearranged nature of the event or obligation.

were supposed to be completed

Implies a degree of obligation or expectation, with emphasis on completion.

FAQs

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

You can use "were already due" to indicate that something was expected to have happened before a specific point in the past. For example, "The payments "were already due" last week, but we received them late."

What's the difference between "were already due" and "are already due"?

"Were already due" refers to a past deadline or expectation, while "are already due" refers to a current one. For example, "The reports "were already due" yesterday" (past) versus "The reports "are already due" today" (present).

What can I say instead of "were already due"?

You can use alternatives like "were scheduled previously", "were expected earlier", or "had been arranged beforehand" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was already due" instead of "were already due"?

The choice between "was" and "were" depends on the subject. Use "was" with singular subjects (e.g., "The payment was already due") and "were" with plural subjects (e.g., "The payments "were already due"").