is running late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is running late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is delayed and will arrive or happen later than expected. Example: "The train is running late, so we should check the schedule for updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

JAVIER CORRAL is running late.

The Economist

Massimo Bottura is running late.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hayley Atwell is running late.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Petra Barran is running late.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ryan Williams is running late; very late.

The Guardian - Film

"Nick is running late," Keith announced.

The Guardian

Prince is running late, and when Prince is running late the prospective interviewer begins to worry.

The Guardian - Music

NEW YORK -- Tina Fey is running late, repeatedly.

The Washington Post

That is one big reason why Mr Obama's plan to close the camp is running late.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Dr. Flaherty was running late.

The New York Times

Hillary Rodham Clinton was running late.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is running late", clarify the reason for the delay if possible to provide context and manage expectations. For example, "The meeting is running late due to a prior engagement."

Common error

Avoid using "is running late" when the delay is indefinite or has already caused significant disruptions. In such cases, phrases like "is significantly delayed" or "is postponed" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is running late" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a state of being delayed. As Ludwig AI identifies, this phrase is frequently used to describe the current status of a person, event, or project.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is running late" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone or something is delayed. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and general conversation. While the phrase is generally neutral, consider clarifying the reason for the delay to manage expectations. Alternatives like "is delayed" or "is behind schedule" can be used for slightly different nuances or in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is behind schedule

Focuses on the delay in relation to a predefined timeline.

is delayed

A more general term indicating that something is not happening on time.

is not on time

Directly states the failure to meet a scheduled time.

is overdue

Implies that something should have already happened or arrived.

is held up

Suggests an unexpected obstacle is causing the delay.

is tarrying

Implies a deliberate delay, though often used humorously.

is lagging

Suggests a gradual falling behind rather than a sudden delay.

is unpunctual

Highlights the characteristic of not being on time.

is belated

Indicates something is happening later than it should.

is not keeping pace

Indicates something or someone is failing to meet a required rhythm or speed to be on time.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "is running late"?

When someone says "is running late", it means they are delayed and will arrive or start later than expected. It's a common way to indicate tardiness.

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

You can use alternatives like "is delayed", "is behind schedule", or "is not on time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "am running late" or "is running late"?

Both are correct, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "am running late" when referring to yourself (I am running late), and "is running late" when referring to a singular subject (he/she/it is running late).

How formal is the phrase "is running late"?

The phrase "is running late" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and professional contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might opt for a more direct phrase like "is delayed".