Run late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Run late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is behind schedule or not on time for an appointment or event. Example: "I apologize for being late; I had to run late due to unexpected traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(He died at fifty-two, in 1984; his career sadly didn't run late enough).

The New Yorker

I do not run late.

The New York Times

(Gretchen plans to run late and then call to cancel).

The New York Times

If they run late, those entrances are missed.

The New York Times

I stopped going to parties that run late.

The New Yorker

Over all, about a quarter of domestic flights run late.

The New York Times

And if we run late, it just takes longer for patients to get an appointment.

The New York Times

So we run late, of course, although only modestly behind schedule.

The Guardian - Music

He used to say: "In films, trains never run late" – I love that.

The Guardian

Big computer modernization projects often run late and cost more than anticipated.

The New York Times

Trains run late; they are overcrowded; the conductor's address system is faulty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Run late", clearly specify what is being delayed, such as "The meeting will run late" or "I might run late to the appointment."

Common error

Avoid using "Run late" as the direct cause of something without a clear causal link. For example, instead of "I run late, so I missed the bus", use "I ran late, so I missed the bus."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Run late" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of being behind schedule or not on time. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase can be used in various contexts to describe delays in events, projects, or personal schedules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

27%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Run late" is a very common phrase used to describe situations where something or someone is behind schedule. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, wiki, and general conversation. The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone. When using "Run late", ensure the context is clear and the cause of the delay is understood. If a more formal tone is needed, consider alternatives such as "be delayed" or "fall behind schedule". Ludwig’s examples demonstrate the versatility of this phrase across different domains, solidifying its status as a reliable and frequently used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be delayed

Focuses on the state of being delayed rather than the action of becoming late.

Fall behind schedule

Highlights the discrepancy between the actual progress and the planned timeline.

Get behind

A more casual way of saying someone is falling behind.

Be tardy

A more formal way of expressing lateness.

Miss the deadline

Implies failing to complete something by the specified time.

Procrastinate

Focuses on the action of delaying or postponing tasks.

Lag behind

Emphasizes the act of trailing or falling behind in progress.

Get bogged down

Describes being slowed down or hindered in progress.

Be unpunctual

Directly states the characteristic of not being on time.

Trail behind

Indicates a position of following at a distance or lagging.

FAQs

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

You can use "Run late" to indicate that someone or something is behind schedule. For example, "The train is expected to "run late" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's a more formal way to say "Run late"?

A more formal alternative to "Run late" is to say "be delayed". This conveys the same meaning in a more professional context.

Is it better to say "Run late" or "Running late"?

Both "Run late" and "Running late" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Run late" is often used in the infinitive form or with a subject (e.g., "The meeting will run late"), while "Running late" is used in continuous tenses (e.g., "I am running late").

What can I say instead of "Run late" in a business email?

In a business email, you can use phrases like "be delayed", "fall behind schedule", or "be tardy" to convey that you are not on time.