don't be late

USAGE SUMMARY

"don't be late" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a command or reminder for someone to arrive or complete something on time. Example: "Don't be late for the meeting tomorrow morning at 9am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't be late.

The New York Times

(So don't be late).

The New York Times - Arts

But just don't be late".

The New York Times

"Please don't be late".

The New York Times

He said, "Don't be late, Bill".

The New Yorker

The first rule: Don't be late.

The Washington Post

For God's sake, Jonny, don't be late.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't be late and end up in a crate.

The Economist

By which he meant "Don't be late again".

The New Yorker

Game starts at 8 p.m. on NBC; don't be late.

The Washington Post

Don't be late; Clinic plays short songs and short sets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reminding someone to be on time, consider the context and adjust your tone accordingly. While "don't be late" is direct, it might be softened with a reason or a polite addition, such as "don't be late; we want to start promptly".

Common error

While "don't be late" is a clear and concise reminder, avoid repeating it excessively in a short period. Vary your language by using synonyms like "be punctual" or "arrive on time" to maintain a professional and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't be late" primarily functions as an imperative, delivering a direct command or instruction. It is used to strongly advise or require someone to arrive or complete something punctually, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "don't be late" is a grammatically sound imperative phrase used to emphasize the importance of punctuality across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a direct command commonly found in news, media, and informal communications. While versatile, it's essential to tailor the tone to the specific situation and relationship. Synonyms such as "arrive on time" or "be punctual" can add variety to your language. Remember, while it is a common phrase, overuse can be avoided by using alternative expressions. The frequency of the expression is high and you will find it in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrive on time

Focuses specifically on the act of arriving at the scheduled time.

be punctual

Emphasizes adherence to a strict schedule or timeline.

make sure you're prompt

Uses the word "prompt" to highlight the need for immediacy and readiness.

ensure you're on time

Adds a layer of personal responsibility and assurance.

don't delay

Shifts the focus from being late to avoiding delays.

be there on the dot

Adds a sense of precision and exactness to the required arrival time.

respect the schedule

Highlights the importance of honoring and adhering to the planned timetable.

stick to the timetable

Emphasizes adherence to a structured plan.

keep to time

Highlights that the focus is on respecting time constraints.

mind the time

It's an idiomatic expression to keep the time, or be aware of the time.

FAQs

How can I politely say "don't be late"?

You can use phrases like "Please arrive on time", "It's important to be punctual", or "We're counting on you to be there promptly" to convey the same message more gently.

What are some alternatives to "don't be late" in a professional setting?

In a professional context, consider using phrases like "Please ensure you're on time for the meeting", "We expect all attendees to "be punctual"", or "Adhering to the schedule is crucial".

Is "don't be late" grammatically correct?

Yes, "don't be late" is grammatically correct. It's an imperative sentence, which directly instructs or requests someone to take action.

How to emphasize the importance of not being late?

To stress the significance of punctuality, you could say "It's crucial "to be on time"", "Your punctuality is highly appreciated", or "Please make every effort not to be late".