arrives late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arrives late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that comes after the expected or scheduled time. Example: "The train usually arrives late, causing delays for commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

One arrives late.

The New Yorker

Nick arrives late to the app store.

The New York Times

She arrives late – dashing in every sense.

The Guardian

Duveen arrives late at night with the painting in hand.

The New York Times

Or, despite the four-hour time frame, he arrives late.

The New York Times

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell arrives late on Wednesday.

The New York Times

She arrives late for our meeting in a café near her home in Highgate, north London.

Independent

One arrives late and has difficulty locating his friend among so many black patron.

The New Yorker

Alberto, a charming, charismatic doctor, arrives late and brings with him a sort of parlor game.

The New Yorker

It won't be cheap: $54,995 when it arrives late next year.

The New York Times

These days, the scourge of air travel is often a flight that arrives late.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arrives late", ensure the context clearly indicates the event or time to which the lateness refers. For instance, specify "arrives late to the meeting" rather than simply "arrives late".

Common error

Avoid using "arrives late" without specifying the event. Without context, the phrase lacks specific meaning and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arrives late" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of coming to a place or event after the expected time. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, describing the tardiness of individuals, objects, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arrives late" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something that is not punctual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "arrives late", ensure that the context clearly indicates the event to which the lateness refers. Alternatives include "is tardy", "shows up late", and "is not on time", depending on the desired nuance. This phrase serves to inform about or emphasize a lack of punctuality and is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not on time

A simple and direct way to express a lack of punctuality.

shows up late

Emphasizes the action of appearing after the scheduled time.

turns up late

A more informal and common alternative to "shows up late".

is tardy

This is a more formal and direct synonym, indicating a state of being late.

is delayed in arriving

Specifies the cause of lateness as a delay.

is behind schedule

Focuses on the fact that they are not where they need to be, according to the timeframe.

misses the start

Highlights the failure to be present at the beginning of something.

comes after the appointed time

This phrase elaborates on the concept of exceeding the agreed-upon time.

lags behind

Suggests a gradual falling behind rather than a specific late arrival.

reaches the destination behind schedule

Focuses on arriving later than scheduled at the destination.

FAQs

What does "arrives late" mean?

"Arrives late" means to come to a place or event after the scheduled or expected time.

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

You can use "arrives late" in a sentence like, "The train always "arrives late" during rush hour" or "She "arrives late" to every appointment."

What are some synonyms for "arrives late"?

Some synonyms for "arrives late" include "is tardy", "shows up late", or "is not on time".

Is it ever appropriate to use "arrived late" instead of "arrives late"?

Yes, "arrived late" is the past tense of "arrives late". Use "arrived late" when referring to a past event: "He "arrived late" to the party last night."