at this late

USAGE SUMMARY

"at this late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is happening at a late stage or time, or to emphasize that something is happening later than expected. For example: "At this late stage in the project, we are still struggling to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not even now, at this late time.

Independent

At this late stage, anything could happen.

The New Yorker

At this late date, it's wearying".

The New York Times

At this late date, they might well not.

The New York Times

At this late stage Roddick was stuck with it.

The New York Times

Even at this late hour, regulators still have a choice.

The New York Times

But at this late stage, you take what you're given.

Independent

Even at this late stage of comminication there are….

The New Yorker

But at this late date sincerity is not enough.

The New Yorker

Even at this late stage, Obama should take a risk.

The Washington Post

Even at this late stage, he is a complete stranger.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at this late", ensure the context makes it clear what the lateness is in relation to. For example, "At this late stage of the negotiations, it's unlikely we'll reach an agreement."

Common error

Avoid using "at this late" when a situation is not urgent or time-sensitive, because this may cause confusion and imply the situation is more critical than it actually is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this late" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the timing of an action or situation. It emphasizes that something is happening later than expected or desired, adding a nuance of urgency or potential missed opportunity, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at this late" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the timing of an event, often with implications of urgency, difficulty, or missed opportunities. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English, signifying that something is happening later than expected. This phrase is very common, appearing frequently in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing.

While generally neutral in register, "at this late" implies a time-sensitive situation that requires careful consideration. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reference point for the lateness and avoid its use in situations that do not truly warrant such emphasis.

Alternatives like "at this advanced stage" or "belatedly" can provide similar meaning while adjusting the tone or emphasis. Ultimately, understanding the subtle nuances of "at this late" enables more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this belated stage

Adds the adjective "belated" for emphasis.

at this advanced stage

Replaces "late" with "advanced," emphasizing the progression of time or a process.

at this concluding point

Uses "concluding point" instead of "late," highlighting the nearness to an end.

at this advanced hour

Swaps "late" for "advanced" and "time" for "hour," emphasizing the temporal aspect.

belatedly

A single-word adverb that conveys the sense of being too late or delayed.

at this juncture

Replaces "late" with "juncture," shifting the emphasis to a particular point in time, often a critical one.

after all this time

Emphasizes the duration of time that has passed, making the lateness more noticeable.

at this eleventh hour

Uses the idiom "eleventh hour" to describe something that happens just before it's too late.

so late in the game

A more informal expression that equates the situation to being late in a game or process.

at this point in time

A more generic time reference that has a weaker association with "lateness".

FAQs

How can I use "at this late" in a sentence?

You can use "at this late" to emphasize the advanced stage of an event or process, implying that acting now might be difficult or that opportunities may have passed. For example, "At this late stage, changing our strategy would be risky."

What is a synonym for "at this late"?

Alternatives to "at this late" include phrases like "at this advanced stage", "belatedly", or "at this eleventh hour", each conveying a sense of lateness or delay.

Which is more appropriate: "at this late hour" or "at this late stage"?

Both "at this late hour" and "at this late stage" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "At this late hour" refers more specifically to time, while "at this late stage" refers to a point in a process or project.

What does "at this late date" mean?

"At this late date" signifies that something is happening or being considered much later than initially anticipated or desired. It's similar in meaning to "at this late stage".