belated response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belated response" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are responding to something you have been meaning to respond to but have delayed doing so. For example: "I apologize for the belated response, I was tied up with other tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a troublingly belated response.

The New Yorker

Long in the making, the transformation was no doubt a belated response to World War II.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a belated response to what's been going on in the United States".

The New York Times

The changes are a response — a belated response — to the Help America Vote Act.

The New York Times

A somewhat belated response to Roger Farmer, who accused me of cribbing from his writings.

The New York Times

A belated response to Franklin Foer's How Soccer Explains the World, Paolantonio's cocksure parochialism is embodied in the very title.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a welcome, but belated, response to a problem that has been growing inexorably for nearly two decades.

The New Yorker

"No one's talking about Freddy Adu," hollers Andrew Corcoran, in a belated response to Chris Nemeh's incendiary ignorance.

The Guardian - Sport

"I can only surmise that this is Neil Simon's belated response to the negative critical reaction," she wrote.

The New York Times

Given its belated response, its commitment to ensuring wage justice to the 7-Eleven workers has always been doubtful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lichtman said he sent the Times two letters disputing the facts outlined in the piece before its publication and received belated responses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. A "belated response" can be viewed negatively, so frame it positively when possible, such as by highlighting the thoroughness or thoughtfulness of the delayed answer.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows why your response was "belated". Briefly explain the reason to avoid misunderstandings or appearing dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belated response" functions as a noun phrase where "belated" modifies the noun "response". It describes the timing of the response, indicating that it was delayed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belated response" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a delayed reaction or reply. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, it's best practice to acknowledge the delay and briefly explain the reason, if possible. Consider alternatives like ""delayed reaction"" or ""late answer"" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tardy reaction

Emphasizes the tardiness of the reaction, highlighting the delay in responding.

delayed reaction

Highlights the slowness of the reaction, stressing the time it took to manifest.

retarded response

Focuses on the slowness of the response, implying a lack of promptness.

tardy reply

Focuses on the lateness of the reply, emphasizing the delay in communication.

subsequent reaction

Indicates the reaction occurred after a period of time following the initial event.

postponed reply

Indicates that the reply was intentionally delayed or put off until later.

late answer

Emphasizes the lateness of the answer, suggesting the response was not timely.

after-the-fact response

Implies the response came after the event or situation had already concluded.

overdue retort

Suggests the retort was not only late but also expected or required earlier.

untimely rejoinder

Highlights the inappropriateness of the timing of the rejoinder.

FAQs

What does "belated response" mean?

A "belated response" is a response that is delayed or comes later than expected. It implies that the response should have been given sooner.

How can I apologize for a "belated response"?

You can apologize by saying, "I apologize for the "delayed response"" or "Please accept my apologies for this "late reply"" followed by a brief explanation if necessary.

What are some synonyms for "belated response"?

Some synonyms include "delayed reaction", "late answer", "tardy reply", or "overdue retort". Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "belated response"?

It's appropriate to use "belated response" when you are acknowledging that your reply or reaction is later than expected and you want to convey that you are aware of the delay.