arrive behind time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arrive behind time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something arrives later than the expected or scheduled time. Example: "The train was scheduled to arrive at 3 PM, but it ended up arriving behind time due to delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ARRIVE on time.

The New York Times

Please arrive on time.

Johns Hopkins University

I arrive in time for dinner.

BBC

We both arrive on time.

Unicef

Be punctual and arrive on time.

WikiHow

The paramedics may not arrive in time.

WikiHow

Only 65 percent of Newark's flights arrived on time, far behind airports like Salt Lake City's, where 86 percent of flights arrived on time in July.

The New York Times

We arrived on time.

The New York Times - Travel

You arrived on time.

Columbia University

It arrived on time.

The New York Times - Travel

The prosecutors eventually stopped arriving on time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "arrive behind time" is technically correct, favor more common and direct alternatives like "arrive late" or "arrive behind schedule" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using unnecessarily complex or uncommon phrases when simpler, more direct options like "arrive late" are available. This enhances clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arrive behind time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb "arrive" to indicate the manner or circumstance of the arrival. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it suggests that it's less common than other alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "arrive behind time" is not a frequently used expression. Ludwig AI analysis points out its correctness but also suggests it is less common than alternatives such as "arrive late" or "arrive behind schedule". Therefore, while understandable, it's often better to opt for clearer, more direct phrasing in both formal and informal contexts to avoid potential confusion. The lack of examples and consistent usage in authoritative sources further suggests that writers should exercise caution when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrive late

This is the most direct and common way to express arriving after the scheduled time.

arrive after schedule

Similar to "arrive late", this emphasizes the deviation from a planned timeline.

arrive behind schedule

Very close in meaning, but more common usage.

arrive later than expected

Explicitly states the arrival was not on time according to expectations.

arrive belatedly

Implies a regretful or inconvenient lateness.

arrive with delay

Focuses on the presence of a delay as the cause of lateness.

reach late

A more general way to express being late in reaching a destination.

get there late

Informal way of saying "arrive late".

miss the deadline

This phrase implies that a specific time limit was not met.

arrive out of time

An uncommon way to express being late.

FAQs

What does "arrive behind time" mean?

The phrase "arrive behind time" means to arrive later than expected or scheduled. However, it's less common than alternatives like "arrive late" or "arrive behind schedule".

Is it grammatically correct to say "arrive behind time"?

Yes, "arrive behind time" is grammatically correct, although it is not the most common or preferred phrasing. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

What can I say instead of "arrive behind time"?

You can use alternatives such as "arrive late", "arrive behind schedule", or "arrive after schedule" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "arrive behind time" or "arrive late"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "arrive late" is more common and generally preferred for its simplicity and clarity.