began late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or action that started later than expected or scheduled. Example: "The meeting began late due to technical difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Microsoft, in its statement, said the merger talks began "late last year".

The New York Times

Saturn began late in 1990 to great fanfare.

Forbes

Screening males with a DXA machine began late in 2000; therefore, our period of measurement is 2001 2004.

Clinical interventions in aging

In reality, Crescenta Valley's turnaround began late in the third quarter.

Los Angeles Times

Sweden began harness racing in the 1880s, and Austria and Germany began late in the century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Blue Labour flirtation began late in the autumn of 2010.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The problem began late last year.

The New York Times

The nationwide product rollover began late last year.

The New York Times - Science

The current ses sions began late last week.

The New York Times

The AICC Aboriginal Film Tour began late last year.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Bass's physical problems began late last year.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began late" to describe events or processes that started later than anticipated or scheduled. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning of a delayed commencement.

Common error

Avoid using "began late" when you simply mean something started. The phrase implies a deviation from a planned or expected start time, not just a generic beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began late" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the timing of an action's commencement. It specifies that something started at a time later than initially expected or scheduled. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "began late" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a delayed start. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context implies a deviation from an expected or scheduled start time, as misusing it can alter the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "started belatedly" or "commenced tardily" to add nuance. By understanding its proper usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively convey the timing and context of events in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started belatedly

Emphasizes the lateness or tardiness of the start.

commenced tardily

Highlights the delayed nature of the beginning, often in a more formal context.

initiated behind schedule

Focuses on the deviation from the planned or expected timeline.

launched subsequently

Indicates that the start occurred after a certain point or event.

originated afterward

Suggests a later beginning in relation to a specific timeframe or occurrence.

kicked off with a delay

Highlights that the beginning was impacted with an unexpected lateness.

unveiled at a later date

Emphasizes the delayed reveal or introduction of something.

got off to a slow start

Focuses on the initial pace or progress rather than just the timing.

met with a delayed start

Emphasizes the start was affected by an external cause of lateness.

was postponed

Suggests that the starting date of an event was changed to a later time.

FAQs

What does "began late" mean?

"Began late" means that something started later than it was supposed to or later than expected. It implies a delay in the commencement of an event, process, or activity.

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

You can use "began late" to describe any situation where something started later than planned. For example: "The meeting "began late" due to technical issues."

What are some alternatives to "began late"?

Some alternatives to "began late" include "started belatedly", "commenced tardily", or "initiated behind schedule". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "began late"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "began late". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both spoken and written language.