Of late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Of late" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a recent time period or events that have occurred recently. Example: "Of late, I have noticed a significant change in the weather patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Of late, clouds gathered.

The New York Times

Of late, consumers have been feeling better.

The New York Times

Of late, though, she prefers the thimble.

The New Yorker

Of late, though, it's been books.

The New York Times

Of late it has been more difficult.

The New Yorker

Of late, matters have grown worse.

The New York Times

Of late its fortunes have declined.

The Economist

Of late the calibration seems off.

Forbes

Son of late Dominic.

The New York Times

Devoted wife of late Harry.

The New York Times

Boston's playing incredible of late".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Of late" to indicate a trend or change observed over a recent period. It is suitable for formal and semi-formal writing, adding a touch of sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "Of late" when you simply mean "late" as in "behind schedule". "Of late" refers to a time period, not a specific point in time. For instance, don't say "The train arrived of late"; instead, say "The train arrived late".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Of late" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time frame in which an action or situation has been occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English to reference recent events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "Of late" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote events or changes in the recent past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a valid and versatile phrase. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "recently" or "lately", it maintains a neutral tone appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure proper usage, avoid confusing it with simply being "late" and employ it to indicate trends or observations over a period, not punctual lateness. "Of late" is well-supported by authoritative sources and provides a nuanced way to specify timeframes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Recently

This is a more common and straightforward synonym, lacking the slightly formal tone of the original.

Lately

This alternative is very close in meaning and formality, often used interchangeably.

As of late

Very similar, but emphasizes the current state resulting from recent events. The phrase "As of late" is less common.

In recent times

This phrase is more descriptive, adding emphasis to the 'recent' aspect.

Just recently

This emphasizes the immediacy of the recent occurrence.

In the past few weeks

This specifies a shorter timeframe, making it more precise but less versatile.

In recent memory

This suggests something that has happened recently enough to still be remembered.

In the last while

This alternative is less formal and more colloquial.

Over the past period

This sounds slightly more formal and emphasizes the duration.

In the immediate past

This is a more formal and somewhat redundant way of saying "recently".

FAQs

How can I use "Of late" in a sentence?

"Of late" is typically used to describe events or changes that have occurred recently. For example: "Of late, the weather has been unpredictable".

What are some alternatives to "Of late"?

Alternatives to "Of late" include "recently", "lately", and "in recent times". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "Of late" considered formal language?

While not overly formal, "Of late" has a slightly more sophisticated tone than alternatives like "recently" or "lately". It is suitable for news articles, essays, and business communications.

Is there a difference between "As of late" and "Of late"?

Both phrases indicate recent occurrences, but "As of late" tends to emphasize the current state resulting from those recent events. "Of late" simply refers to the recent past. The phrase "As of late" is less common than "Of late".