See you later

USAGE SUMMARY

'See you later' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used as a farewell. Example: "It was nice talking to you. See you later!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"See you later, darling".

The New York Times

See you later, collaborator!

The New York Times

See you later, buddy".

The New Yorker

See you later, grandpa!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

See you later, knife.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

See you later, Bobby Tambling!

The Guardian - Sport

See you later, I hope.

The New Yorker

See you later, Eddie-baby.

The Guardian - Sport

"See you later," Miriam says.

The Guardian

See you later in the month".

The New York Times - Books

"See you later Meunier, see you later Denayer, see you later Fellaini," roared Robbie Savage, in his BBC commentary.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "See you later" in informal settings when you expect to meet the person again. It's a friendly and casual way to say goodbye.

Common error

Avoid using "See you later" in highly formal or professional communications. Opt for more formal alternatives like "Goodbye" or "Farewell" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "See you later" functions as a phatic expression, primarily used to conclude a conversation or an encounter. It's a way of signaling departure while indicating an expectation or hope of future interaction. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "See you later" is a very common, informal phrase used to say goodbye while implying a future meeting. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's most suitable for casual conversations with friends and family, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig. However, it should be avoided in formal settings, where alternatives like "Goodbye" or "Farewell" are more appropriate. Similar phrases include "catch you later" and "see you soon", each carrying slightly different nuances regarding the expected time of the next meeting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

See you soon

Similar meaning but implies a meeting in the near future.

Catch you later

More casual and implying a less formal relationship.

Goodbye

A standard farewell, more formal and without the implication of a future meeting.

Later

A very informal and brief farewell.

I'll be seeing you

More assertive and implies a definite future encounter.

Farewell

More formal and often used when the separation is expected to be longer.

Until next time

Formal and implying a future meeting is anticipated.

So long

An informal farewell, implying a longer period before the next meeting.

Take care

Suggests concern for the other person's well-being.

Have a good one

A general farewell wishing the other person well.

FAQs

What's the difference between "See you later" and "Goodbye"?

"See you later" implies an expectation of meeting again, while "Goodbye" is a more general farewell without a specific expectation of a future meeting. You might use "goodbye" when parting ways for an extended period.

When is it appropriate to use "See you later"?

"See you later" is appropriate in informal settings, such as when parting from friends, family, or colleagues you expect to see again soon. It's commonly used in everyday conversations.

What can I say instead of "See you later" in a formal setting?

In formal situations, consider using alternatives like "Goodbye", "Farewell", or "Have a good day". These options are more professional and suitable for interactions with superiors or in business contexts. You could also say "until next time" if appropriate.

Is "See you later" grammatically correct?

Yes, "See you later" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase in English. It's a common way to say goodbye and is used in various informal contexts.