French Phrase
Le projet prend du retard.
Meaning
The sentence states that a project is not progressing as planned and is falling behind schedule. It conveys a neutral, factual observation rather than blame.
When to use
Use this phrase in professional or academic settings when reporting on the status of a work plan, during meetings, emails, or informal conversations about timelines.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Leprojetprendduretard.
Le (definite article)
Masculine singular definite article used before a noun that is known or specific.
projet (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'project'.
prend (verb)
Third‑person singular present of the verb *prendre* (to take). Here it forms the idiom *prendre du retard*.
du (partitive article)
Contraction of *de le*; used here as partitive to indicate an indefinite amount of delay.
retard (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'delay' or 'lateness'.
🗨In Conversation
Le projet prend du retard, on ne respectera pas la date de livraison prévue.
The project is delayed; we won't meet the planned delivery date.
D'accord, je vais réajuster le planning et informer le client.
Alright, I’ll adjust the schedule and inform the client.
✕Common Mistakes
Le projet prend le retard.
The article should be the partitive *du*, not the definite *le*.
Le projet prend de retard.
Missing the partitive contraction *du*; *de* alone is incorrect here.
Le projet prend du retards.
The noun *retard* stays singular in this idiom.
↔Alternatives
Le projet est en retard.
The project is behind schedule.
Le projet accuse du retard.
The project is experiencing a delay.
Le projet a du retard.
The project has a delay.
Cultural Tip
In French business French, *prendre du retard* is the standard idiom for a project or process that falls behind schedule, while *être en retard* is usually reserved for people being late. Avoid mixing the two, as it can sound awkward.