❌ Don't Say
I'm late
✅ Say This Instead
"I'm running behind"
Meaning
I am behind schedule.
اردو ترجمہ
میں پیچھے چل رہا ہوں
"I'm running behind"
Say it out loud — click each circle as you go
Expression Frequency
Common
Formality
Both
Authority Score
8/10
📖 Linguistic Context
A present‑continuous verb phrase used as the predicate to indicate being behind schedule.
🔄 Synonyms & Alternatives
📰 Real-World Usage Examples
"Our team is running behind on the quarterly report, but we expect to finish by Friday."
📌 Business context
"The researcher was running behind on data analysis, causing a short extension for the thesis submission."
📌 Academic context
"Hey, I'm running behind, can we meet a bit later?"
📌 Daily conversation
⚠️ When NOT to Use
Do not use it when you are on time or early, as it implies a delay.
💡 Pro Tip
Use it for slight delays; it's a friendly way to tell someone you're not on time.
Daily Life Examples
-
Sorry, I'm running behind; I'll be there in ten minutes.
معذرت، میں پیچھے چل رہا ہوں؛ میں دس منٹ میں پہنچ جاؤں گا۔ -
I was running behind on the project, so I stayed late at the office.
پروجیکٹ پر میں پیچھے چل رہا تھا، اس لیے میں دفتر میں دیر تک رہا۔ -
If you're running behind, let us know so we can adjust the schedule.
اگر آپ پیچھے چل رہے ہیں تو ہمیں بتائیں تاکہ ہم شیڈول کو ایڈجسٹ کر سکیں۔
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is it correct to say I'm late?
It's understandable but sounds plain; use 'I'm running behind' for a more natural tone.
When should I use I'm running behind?
Use it when you're slightly delayed or behind schedule.
What does I'm running behind mean?
It means you are not on time and are behind schedule.
Posted on July 22, 2026 · Practice English Daily · More Practice Sentences