is often late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is often late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that frequently does not arrive or occur on time. Example: "My friend is often late to our meetings, which can be quite frustrating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He is often late.

The New York Times

And she is often late.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even that meager pay is often late.

The New York Times

A third grader in Florida is often late for class.

The New York Times - Style

The budget is often late, but Congress has not been this late for ten years.

The Economist

Shana Arroyo, 16, says she is often late for her fourth-period class because the stairwell is so crowded.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I'm often late".

The New York Times

Even so, N-Dia, was often late.

The New York Times

British dancers are often late developers.

The Guardian

Children are often late for classes and tired.

Yale University

New Yorkers in Manhattan were often late for work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is often late", consider whether the lateness is due to external factors or a personal habit. Adjust your wording to reflect the cause accurately.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone "is often late" without providing context. Instead, explain the impact of their lateness or the reasons behind it. For example, instead of saying "He is often late", consider "He is often late, which disrupts meeting schedules" or "He is often late due to unreliable transportation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is often late" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically serving as a predicate adjective. It describes a subject's habitual or frequent tardiness. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is often late" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe frequent tardiness. According to Ludwig, it is correct and applicable across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the reasons behind the lateness to provide context. Alternatives such as "frequently arrives late" or "tends to be late" can offer nuanced variations. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse without providing relevant context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently arrives late

Focuses on the act of arriving, adding emphasis to movement and location.

is habitually tardy

Uses "habitually" to emphasize lateness as a recurring behavior.

tends to be late

Emphasizes a tendency or inclination towards lateness.

is regularly delayed

Highlights the experience of being delayed, suggesting external factors might contribute.

often misses deadlines

Shifts the focus from time of arrival to the failure of meeting specific deadlines.

is not punctual

Uses a more formal tone to state the lack of punctuality.

struggles with punctuality

Focuses on the struggle, indicating an effort to be on time despite difficulties.

has a history of lateness

Highlights the past, underlining that lateness is a recurring theme.

is consistently behind schedule

Indicates a continuous pattern of being behind, which extends beyond single events.

rarely on time

Emphasizes the infrequency of being on time, rather than the frequency of lateness.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is often late"?

You can use alternatives like "frequently arrives late", "is habitually tardy", or "tends to be late" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is often late"?

Yes, "is often late" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe someone or something that frequently doesn't arrive or occur on time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

How do I use "is often late" in a sentence?

You can use "is often late" to describe a person's behavior, for example: "My friend is often late to our appointments." It can also describe events or payments: "The bus is often late" or "Payments were often late".

What is the difference between "is often late" and "is always late"?

"Is often late" implies that someone is late frequently, but not every time. "Is always late" suggests that someone is never on time. The choice depends on the accuracy of the description.