however late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "however late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is acceptable or permissible regardless of the lateness of the situation. Example: "I will wait for you, however late you may be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

However late he came home, Naina waited up for him.

The New Yorker

However late proposals and amendments have changed that assumption.

Independent

However late human habitation was, civilizations developed quickly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the linesman's flag, however late and however wrongly, was lifted, relief filled the stands.

The Guardian - Sport

That we might still benefit from some support, however late the diagnosis, does too.

The Guardian

So, the night could go even later than you think, however late that was.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

However, late-successional species with large seeds that lack dispersal vectors are less able to disperse and recolonize in areas that need to be restored.

Ecological Engineering

These characters show us television's willingness -- however late-coming -- to embrace gay people and their relationships.

Huffington Post

However, late-maturing cv.

BioMed Research International

21 However, late-stage schizont forms are underrepresented in peripheral blood, 119 suggesting sequestration may occur.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

However, late-evening and nocturnal glycemia were similar; as a consequence, late-onset hypoglycemia was experienced under all conditions.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "however late", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what action or situation is being qualified by the lateness. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "however late" merely to indicate lateness without connecting it to a contrasting or conditional outcome. The phrase works best when it sets up a contrast, not just a statement of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however late" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition related to time. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however late" functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a concessive element related to time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using "however late", it is essential to ensure that it introduces a contrast or condition, rather than just stating the fact of lateness. Alternatives such as "no matter how late" or "regardless of how late" can be used to achieve a similar effect. Examples confirm its appropriateness in various scenarios, demonstrating its role in emphasizing actions taken irrespective of the time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no matter how late

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the lateness.

regardless of how late

Highlights the disregard for the lateness of the hour.

even if it's late

Simple conditional statement acknowledging potential lateness.

though it may be late

Acknowledges the lateness as a possible factor.

despite the lateness

Directly contrasts the lateness with an action.

irrespective of the hour

Focuses on disregarding the time of day.

at whatever hour

Indicates acceptance of any time, no matter how late.

come what may in lateness

An idiomatic expression meaning no matter what happens regarding the lateness.

notwithstanding the late hour

A more formal way to express disregard for the time.

albeit late

A concise way of acknowledging that something is late.

FAQs

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

Use "however late" to show that something will happen regardless of the time. For example, "However late the meeting runs, I will be there."

What are some alternatives to using "however late"?

You can use alternatives like "no matter how late", "regardless of how late", or "even if it's late" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "no matter how late" instead of "however late"?

Yes, "no matter how late" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "however late". Both phrases are used to express that something will occur regardless of the lateness.

What's the difference between "although late" and "however late"?

"Although late" simply acknowledges that something is late. "However late" implies a condition or contrast, suggesting something will happen despite the lateness.