Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
commenced late
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'commenced late' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that began later than expected. For example, "We commended late due to construction on the roads which caused traffic delays."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Encyclopedias
News & Media
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
A revival commenced late in the 18th century in India.
Encyclopedias
In both cases, correction was commenced late so as to ensure complete wound healing.
Insulin treatment is usually commenced late in the course of the disease, and in some patients, after many years of high glycaemic burden.
In the first season, these measurements commenced late in the growing season (early January), but in the second growing season from early budbreak (9 October).
Science
In addition, AQP3 expression of the epidermis in the rat commenced late in fetal life just prior to birth (Matsuzaki et al. 1999a).
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Trials of treatments to lower BP have not resulted in improved outcome, but this may be because treatment commenced too late.
Science
Hypertension in acute stroke is associated with poor functional outcome, but its optimal treatment immediately after stroke is unclear. 1 Studies that have lowered blood pressure (BP) soon after stroke have not shown improved outcome, 1 3 but this may be because treatment commenced too late.
Science
Clinical drug development with RT commences late in the life cycle of anti-cancer agents.
Science
These commence late in the year (November December) and last for 3 4 months (Taylor and Tulloch, 1985).
Science
These patterns indicate that met1 genotype is associated with cis and trans transcriptional changes that commence late in the larval period, before morphological metamorphosis.
Science
We have demonstrated that clinical drug development with RT commences late in the life cycle of anti-cancer agents, a median 6 years after the opening of the first phase I trial without RT and 15 years before patent expiration.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "commenced late", ensure the context clearly indicates what was expected to start earlier. For example, "The project commenced late due to unforeseen circumstances."
Common error
Avoid using "commence lately" as "lately" implies recently, which is different from a delayed start. Use "commenced late" to describe an action that began later than anticipated.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "commenced late" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb, indicating the timing of an action. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this structure. It describes the action of beginning or starting something at a time later than originally anticipated or scheduled.
Frequent in
Science
40%
Encyclopedias
20%
News & Media
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Wiki
7%
Reference
7%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "commenced late" is a grammatically sound way to express that something began later than expected. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase appears less frequently than other similar expressions like "started late" or "began belatedly". Its use spans across different contexts, including science, encyclopedias, and news media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates what was expected to start earlier. While there is no incorrect usage of the expression, "commenced lately" should be avoided since it carries another meaning.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
commenced behind time
More formal way to express that something began late.
began belatedly
Replaces "commenced" with a synonym and uses an adverb to convey lateness.
commenced behind schedule
More formal way to express that something began behind schedule.
started tardily
Uses an alternative verb and adverb with similar connotations.
initiated with delay
Emphasizes the delay in the initiation process.
commenced after the deadline
Very descriptive and specific about the lateness of the beginning.
began after a delay
Clearly states that the beginning occurred after a period of waiting.
launched behind schedule
Implies a planned start that was not met.
kicked off behind time
Informal way to express something began late.
got underway with a lag
Focuses on the start having a slow beginning.
FAQs
What does "commenced late" mean?
"Commenced late" means that something started or began later than expected or scheduled. It implies a delay in the initiation of an action or event.
What can I say instead of "commenced late"?
You can use alternatives like "began belatedly", "started tardily", or "initiated with delay" to convey a similar meaning.
Is "commenced late" grammatically correct?
Yes, "commenced late" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a verb in the past tense followed by an adverb.
How to use "commenced late" in a sentence?
You can use "commenced late" in a sentence like this: "The meeting "commenced late" due to the speaker's delayed arrival."
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested