is late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has not arrived or occurred at the expected or scheduled time. Example: "The train is late, and we might miss our connecting bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Louis Walsh is late.

Independent

"The time is late.

The New York Times

Christine is late.

The New Yorker

The hour is late.

The New York Times

How late is late?

The New York Times

She is late to everything.

The New York Times - Sports

Summer is late, my heart.

The New Yorker

The driver is late.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Another symptom is late-onset diabetes.

The Economist

For me, this is late-onset maturity.

Independent

A Scanner Darkly is late-phase Dick.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is late", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is delayed. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "is late" when the delay is significant and requires a stronger term like "is significantly delayed" or "is long overdue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is late" functions as a predicative adjective, describing the state of a subject being delayed or behind schedule. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is late" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that someone or something has not arrived or occurred at the expected time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While "is late" is generally acceptable, it's essential to consider the specific situation and choose a more precise alternative when necessary, such as "is delayed" or "is overdue". Ensure clarity and context when using "is late" to avoid ambiguity and improve the effectiveness of your writing. It's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in science and formal business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is delayed

Focuses on the postponement or deferral of something beyond its original schedule.

is behind schedule

Highlights that progress is slower than planned, causing a delay.

is overdue

Emphasizes that something should have happened or been completed already.

has not arrived yet

Specifically points out the non-arrival of a person or thing by the expected time.

is running late

Suggests that someone or something is in the process of becoming delayed.

is not on time

Directly states the failure to meet the scheduled time.

is tardy

Offers a slightly more formal way to say something or someone is late.

is unpunctual

Similar to 'tardy' but can emphasize a chronic habit of lateness.

is not prompt

Indicates a lack of immediacy or speed in responding or arriving.

is lagging

Implies that someone or something is falling behind in progress or arrival.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "is late"?

When someone "is late", it means they haven't arrived by the expected or scheduled time. The delay can range from a few minutes to a more significant amount of time.

What can I say instead of "is late"?

You can use alternatives like "is delayed", "is behind schedule", or "is overdue" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is late" in formal writing?

Yes, "is late" is generally appropriate in formal writing, but consider more precise alternatives like "is delayed" or "is overdue" for greater clarity and impact.

How does the meaning of "is late" change depending on the context?

The meaning of "is late" remains consistent across contexts, indicating a failure to meet a schedule. However, the seriousness of the lateness and its implications depend on the specific situation.