it got later

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it got later" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that time has progressed or that it has become later in the day. Example: "As we continued our conversation, I noticed it got later and later, and I realized I needed to head home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The euphoria made time pass quickly, and the light outside faded as it got later and later into the evening.

The Guardian - Opinion

A bad snowstorm went on into the night once, and Lucky Boy was off somewhere and had skipped dinner and stayed out, and as it got later and later Rachel planted herself at the side door and alternated between calling for, cursing, and insulting him, crying, and making promises, if he would only come back.

The New Yorker

As it got later and looser at BED, we were joined by Ayana O'Rand, 27, who said she worked in sales at Perry Ellis.

The New York Times - Food

As it got later into the afternoon, I asked Olsen if she might like a ride to the venue — it was a warm day, and a long walk — in my creaky old Honda.

The New Yorker

On the time level, the number of interventions progressively increased as it got later.

Crime Science

We observed that the number of interventions increased as it got later, with a climax between 2 00 and 2 59.

Crime Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

None of that is quite clear; we'll be watching as it gets later and later in Egypt.

The New Yorker

That is, when it gets later in the day, the device will automatically make its adjustments.

TechCrunch

CALMING RITUAL As it gets later at night, I will start feeling the week ahead.

The New York Times

"I'm noticing that as it gets later on Sunday, the crowd shifts," he says.

The New York Times

The earlier you treat it and get it under control, the less severe it gets later on".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it got later" to describe the natural progression of time, especially when emphasizing the impact of the advancing hour on a situation or activity.

Common error

Avoid overcomplicating the tense when using "it got later". Using unnecessarily complex tenses can make the sentence sound awkward. Instead, keep the tense consistent and straightforward to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it got later" functions as a descriptive expression indicating the progression of time. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it is used to show the advancement of the day or evening. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it got later" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned phrase used to indicate the passage of time, particularly in News & Media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and understandable, making it suitable for describing the natural progression of time. While not exceedingly common, its simplicity allows for diverse applications. To increase clarity, avoid using overly complex tenses with it. Related phrases like "the hour grew late" can provide a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it grew late

This option is very similar, directly describing the lateness of the hour.

the hour grew late

A slightly more formal way of indicating that it was getting late.

as the day wore on

This alternative specifically refers to the progression of a day.

time advanced

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate the passing of time.

as the hours passed

This emphasizes the individual hours contributing to the lateness.

as time elapsed

This alternative emphasizes the duration of time that has passed.

the night deepened

This option poetically describes the progression of night.

with the passage of time

This phrase highlights the gradual nature of time's progression.

subsequently

This term emphasizes the order of events rather than the passage of time itself.

afterward

Similar to 'subsequently', this indicates a later point in time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it got later" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "the hour grew late", "as time elapsed", or "the day wore on".

Is there a difference between "it got later" and "it became later"?

While both phrases are similar, "it got later" implies a gradual process, whereas "it became later" can suggest a more distinct change in time.

How to use "it got later" in a sentence?

You can use "it got later" to describe the progression of time in various situations. For instance, "As we continued our conversation, it got later, and I realized I needed to head home."

What are some alternatives to "it got later" that don't involve time?

If you wish to focus less on time and more on sequence, you could use terms like "subsequently" or "afterward".