it got late

USAGE SUMMARY

"it got late" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the time when something happened or the time when something was finished. For example, "We were having a great time but then it got late, so we had to leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It got late.

The New Yorker

That night of the illicit kiss with my friend, it got late fast.

The New York Times

It got late, and Alberto headed upstairs to bed before the entire crowd dispersed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Speaking on CNN as it got late, David Axelrod, President Obama's former campaign manager, made an acute point.

The New Yorker

He told me that he liked to read by flashlight in his sweltering hundred-man tent when it got late.

The New Yorker

It got late early up there, as Yogi once said, and the outcome we didn't want arrived just the same, in spite of plaques and speeches.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It gets late early out here".

The Guardian - Sport

He is always ready to fight, particularly when it gets late.

The New York Times - Sports

It gets late._John Kenney's novel "Truth in Advertisting" will be published in January.

The New Yorker

Prediction: It gets late early in Phoenix - fifth place, NL West.

The Guardian - Sport

It gets late in the season and you can see how tired and how exhausted some of these guys are.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it got late" to indicate that an event or activity was prolonged until the end of the day or until a later hour than initially anticipated.

Common error

Do not use phrases like "it got late at night" because "late" already implies that it is near the end of the day or night. Redundancy weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it got late" functions as an intransitive clause, indicating the progression of time and a shift towards the end of the day or a later hour. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it got late" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the passing of time, often suggesting that an activity extended beyond its expected duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for use in a variety of contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media. While phrases like "the hour grew late" and "it was getting dark" can serve as alternatives, it's essential to avoid redundant phrasing such as "it got late at night". Understanding these nuances helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was getting dark

Similar meaning, focusing on the increasing darkness.

the hour grew late

Replaces "it" with "the hour" and uses a more literary verb "grew" for a similar meaning.

the evening wore on

Uses a more figurative expression focusing on the progression of the evening.

it became nighttime

A more literal way of stating the arrival of night.

the day was ending

Focuses on the conclusion of the day.

time slipped away

Emphasizes the unnoticed passing of time, implying lateness.

the night deepened

Emphasizes the progression and intensity of the night.

night was falling

Focuses on the visual aspect of night approaching.

daylight faded

Highlights the diminishing light as time passes.

the clock ticked on

Highlights the relentless passing of time.

FAQs

How can I use "it got late" in a sentence?

You can use "it got late" to describe the progression of time, often implying that an activity continued longer than expected. For example, "We were having so much fun that "it got late" before we realized it".

What are some alternatives to saying "it got late"?

Alternatives include "the hour grew late", "it was getting dark", or "the evening wore on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was getting late" instead of "it got late"?

Both "it was getting late" and ""it got late"" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "It was getting late" describes a process or a gradual change, while "it got late" describes a completed action or a specific point in time.

What is the difference between "it got late" and "it got later"?

"It got late" typically implies that an activity continued until the end of the day or a specific deadline, while "it got later" suggests that the time advanced beyond what was initially expected or planned.