a distinctly late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinctly late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clearly or obviously late, often in reference to timing or deadlines. Example: "The report was submitted a distinctly late, causing delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the occasional mention of Kim's baby blog, there's a distinctly late-90s air to Kay Mellor's Leeds-based parenting drama.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Such sentiments lace President Trump's pronouncements on trade in which he – and his advisers – appear to hold pungent views, infused with a distinctly late-19th-century scent of economic nationalist politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even on a typical cellphone call, I hear her "three" distinctly late -- a half second or so.

The New York Times

While Apple was early to portable digital music, it would be distinctly late in entering the world of Internet-connected digital hand-helds.

The New York Times - Tech

As it happens, innovation in urban affairs has developed a distinctly Latin flavour of late.

The Guardian

His two recent albums, including this year's "Victim of Love," tap a distinctly unique late-in-life crisis.

Los Angeles Times

Fallon's NBC colleague Seth Meyers, however, continues to establish himself as a distinctly political comedian on "Late Night".

Huffington Post

An edge with a distinctly Gotham bite, as The Late Show with David Letterman was planted firmly in upper Time Square in the refurbished Ed Sullivan Theater.

Forbes

But unlike most of the older structures here, which are neo-Gothic collegiate in style, the latest addition has a distinctly modernistic flavor, featuring a two-story glass lobby and architectural concrete forming a wall along a garden.

The New York Times

Its expansion has been rapid, and the brand's latest forays are of a distinctly style-minded kind.

BBC

In fact, you could: Williams says the bags are inspired by old pyjama cases, and that her favourite Muppet is Oscar the Grouch (she used a distinctly Grouch-y green fake fur in her latest winter collection).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinctly late" when you want to emphasize that something's lateness is easily perceived or recognized.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a distinctly late" might sound slightly informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "significantly delayed" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial modifier. The phrase "a distinctly late" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "late". It emphasizes the degree or extent to which something is late, making it clear that the lateness is easily noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinctly late" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the obviousness of something being late. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its use is relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the level of formality required by the writing context, as slightly more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. Alternative phrases like "noticeably tardy" or "clearly overdue" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Although the phrase "a distinctly late" is grammatically sound, its limited usage may suggest a preference for alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeably tardy

Emphasizes the obviousness of the lateness using a different adjective.

clearly overdue

Highlights that something has passed its expected deadline.

patently behind schedule

Implies a conspicuous failure to meet the required timeframe.

remarkably delayed

Focuses on the extent of the delay using a different adverb.

markedly behind time

Similar to "patently behind schedule" with a slightly different wording.

unmistakably deferred

Emphasizes the clarity and certainty of the postponement.

plainly postponed

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the lateness.

conspicuously unpunctual

Highlights the failure to adhere to a specific time.

undeniably unseasonable

Indicates that the timing is inappropriate or unexpected for the particular season or context.

obviously belated

Suggests the delay is self-evident.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distinctly late" to describe something that is clearly or obviously late. For example, "The project's completion was "a distinctly late", impacting subsequent deadlines".

What are some alternatives to "a distinctly late"?

Alternatives include "noticeably tardy", "clearly overdue", or "remarkably delayed" depending on the specific context.

Is "a distinctly late" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "a distinctly late" leans towards a slightly less formal tone. In very formal writing, consider using phrases like "significantly delayed".

What's the difference between "a distinctly late" and "slightly late"?

"A distinctly late" emphasizes that the lateness is obvious or easily perceived, whereas "slightly late" implies a minor or negligible delay. The degree of lateness is the key differentiator.