almost always late

USAGE SUMMARY

"almost always late" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is frequently tardy but not always. Example: "She is almost always late to our meetings." Alternative expressions include "usually late" and "frequently late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His budgets were almost always late.

The New Yorker

Since she is almost always late with her rent, she also has to pay a fifty-dollar late fee.

The New Yorker

They were almost always late for meetings, but they always made sure that I had something to drink, and they took me to their homes and fed me.

The New Yorker

Gergiyev is almost always late in starting his performances, and I had a chance to talk with the young woman, a doctor, who was sitting next to me.

The New Yorker

On the rush hour trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow there are only three carriages so everyone stands and the services are almost always late.

BBC

Uber's busiest times in NYC are almost always late at night, with some days nearing 10,000 trips an hour (over 150 requests a minute) between 9pm – 12am.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Congress has almost always been late in passing farm bills," he said.

The New York Times

Once they are noticed, it is almost always too late, or too costly, to eradicate them, experts say.

The New York Times - Science

This makes the bold move all the more commendable, as most G.M.'s err on the side of caution by waiting for proof that the window is indeed closing (by then, it's almost always too late).

The New York Times

They're jetting around town in uncomfortable clothes, attending not just a slew of parties, but also back-to-back shows that almost always start late and are more often than not pretty boring.

The New York Times

Just when most people are winding down, there are almost always some late contenders that sneak into the mix, shows that open in the final week and knock everyone sideways.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost always late", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise quantifier (e.g., "frequently", "usually") would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "almost always late" when the actual frequency is lower. If something occurs sporadically, use terms like "occasionally" or "sometimes" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost always late" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the degree or frequency of lateness. It indicates that something or someone is late on most occasions but not invariably, aligning with Ludwig's indication that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost always late" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial modifier that conveys a high frequency of tardiness with acknowledged exceptions. Ludwig confirms its acceptability. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Alternatives like "frequently tardy" or "usually late" can offer nuanced variations. Be mindful of overstating the frequency and consider more precise quantifiers when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently tardy

Emphasizes the repeated nature of being late.

usually running behind schedule

Highlights the consistent state of being delayed.

typically delayed

Indicates a common occurrence of being late.

habitually unpunctual

Focuses on unpunctuality as a persistent habit.

invariably delayed

Suggests a very high likelihood of being late.

nearly always behind time

Emphasizes the proximity to always being late.

often delayed

A more general term indicating frequent lateness.

customarily tardy

Highlights being late as a customary behavior.

commonly delayed

Suggests being late is a widespread experience.

generally late

Indicates a tendency to be late in most cases.

FAQs

How can I use "almost always late" in a sentence?

You can use "almost always late" to describe a person or event that is frequently delayed or tardy, but not always. For example, "The train is "almost always late" during rush hour".

What's the difference between "almost always late" and "always late"?

"Almost always late" implies that there are rare occasions when someone or something is on time, while "always late" suggests a complete lack of punctuality. "Almost always late" acknowledges exceptions, whereas "always late" does not.

What are some alternatives to "almost always late"?

Alternatives include "frequently tardy", "usually late", or "typically delayed". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "almost always late"?

Yes, "almost always late" is grammatically correct. It uses the adverb "almost" to modify the adverb "always", which in turn modifies the adjective "late". It's a standard and acceptable construction in English.