belated gift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belated gift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a gift that is given after the expected time, such as after a birthday or holiday. Example: "I realized I forgot your birthday, so I brought you a belated gift to make up for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Can Argentina's second great player deliver him a belated gift?

The Guardian - Sport

Fans of the program will get a belated gift from the musician in the form of three "new" episodes, which Petty recorded before he died last year at age 66, just after completing a 40th anniversary world tour with his long-running band, the Heartbreakers.

Los Angeles Times

Austin is a belated gift from Bill Parcells: he will help the Cowboys beat Seattle and keep pace in the N.F.C. East, but there will be no more bottom-of-the-roster surprises to save Jones from his free-agent whims. 1 p.m. Line: Cowboys by 9 1/2 Texans (4-3) at Bills (3-4) Andre Johnson is questionable with a lung contusion, potentially robbing this game of its lone above-the-marquee star.

The New York Times

My belated gift should not make headlines, it is quite literally the least I could do.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A Jersey City couple, both of whom are deaf, got a belated wedding gift from Newark last week.

The New York Times

Here is a belated holiday gift from Alan Greenspan: some possible bargains among closed-end municipal bond funds.

The New York Times

Seiler was a recently married Georgia law student in 1956 when a belated wedding gift arrived: an all-white English bulldog.

The New York Times - Sports

As a belated wedding gift, Shahin had booked a duplex in the Colombe d'Or, an unfussy, family-run hotel perched at the base of the ancient ramparts.

The New Yorker

For Powers, his winning score of 46.1 was also a slightly belated birthday gift, coming one day after he turned 23.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, in a sense it was her day, as the song said; her visit to the show was a slightly belated birthday gift from her friend and kick-line cohort, Gail Tanney, 53, also from Bayside.

The New York Times

It's a Theremin-style synthesiser, he tells me, a belated wedding gift from a friend, the XL Recordings boss Richard Russell, for when Ronson married the French actress and singer Josephine de la Baume, in Aix en Provence in September.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving a "belated gift", acknowledge the delay with a sincere apology. This shows thoughtfulness and makes the recipient feel more valued, even though the gift is late.

Common error

Don't assume that giving a "belated gift" automatically makes up for forgetting the occasion. The sincerity and thoughtfulness behind the gift matter more than the gift itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belated gift" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a gift given or received after the expected or appropriate time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belated gift" is a noun phrase used to describe a gift given after its expected time, such as a birthday or holiday. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is grammatically correct, it appears relatively rarely in common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it carries a neutral register and serves the purpose of describing a late present, often with an implied apology. When using this phrase, acknowledge the lateness and ensure the gift is thoughtful. Alternatives include "late present" or "delayed gift".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

late present

Focuses on the lateness of the present without the nuance of apology or making up for forgetting.

delayed gift

Emphasizes the delay in the gift's arrival or giving.

tardy gift

A more formal or humorous way to describe a gift that is late.

a gift given after the fact

Highlights that the gift was given after the event or occasion had passed.

a post-event gift

Specifically indicates the gift was given after the event occurred.

a gift for a past occasion

Directly states the gift is intended for an event that has already happened.

a make-up gift

Highlights that the gift is given to compensate for a missed occasion or oversight.

a peace offering gift

Implies the gift is given to reconcile after forgetting an important date.

a long-awaited gift

Focuses on the duration of the wait for the gift, rather than simply its lateness.

a gift that's better late than never

Emphasizes that giving the gift late is better than not giving it at all.

FAQs

What's the best way to present a "belated gift"?

Acknowledge the reason for the delay and express sincere regret for missing the original occasion. A simple apology can enhance the meaning of the gift.

What can I say instead of "belated gift"?

Consider alternatives such as "late present" or "delayed gift", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever too late to give a "belated gift"?

While it's best to give gifts promptly, a thoughtful gesture is often appreciated even if it's significantly delayed. Focus on expressing your care and appreciation.

What kind of gift is appropriate as a "belated gift"?

Choose a gift that is meaningful and shows you put thought into it. Personalize the gift to the recipient's interests and preferences to demonstrate your attentiveness, even if the gift is /s/late+present.