it is belated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is belated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is late or delayed, often in reference to an event or acknowledgment, such as a greeting or gift. Example: "I apologize for my belated response to your invitation; I was out of town and just returned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Although it is belated, we consider it a good thing that the North has decided to take this humanitarian measure," the Unification Ministry said.

The New York Times

"I am extremely saddened that this commemoration, even though it is belated and for bodies which have already been buried, is not being held in Lampedusa," the island's mayor, Giusi Nicolini, told La Repubblica, saying she would not be attending Monday's ceremony as she had an appointment in Rome with the Italian president.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was belated justification for a decision that the Bush administration and Congress have already made.

The New York Times

So what Sept. 11 actually began was the U.S. reaction, as muscular as it was belated, to the challenge of terrorism.

The Washington Post

"It's belated, but I think it's the only logical step for the E.U. to take," said Morgan Tsvangirai, the party leader.

The New York Times

It was belated reward for a career of consistent success that exploded into the wider public consciousness with his Tour victory.

The Guardian - Sport

It was belated because David Hare had provided the epitaph a year earlier when he wrote that "the two most depressing words in the English language are 'literary fiction'" (which sometimes feels like the aspirational, if commercially challenged, cousin of genre fiction).

The Guardian - Books

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role, but commented it was belated recognition for Of Human Bondage, calling the award a "consolation prize".

Wikipedia

But assuming that the claim is belated, it states the law and our duty is to apply it.

Cornell University

This is belated recognition, but still it is recognition.

The New York Times

The change of heart is belated, but necessary and welcome.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is belated" when you want to acknowledge that something is happening or being recognized later than expected, often implying a sense of regret or acknowledgment of the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "it is belated" when you simply mean something is unnecessary or redundant. "Belated" specifically refers to timing, not relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is belated" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is delayed or late. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through examples where it describes actions, acknowledgments, or events that occur later than expected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is belated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to acknowledge that something is happening or being recognized later than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often employed in contexts like news reports, formal statements, and general communication where a delay needs to be addressed. While not overly formal, it carries a more neutral tone, suitable for professional and public contexts. When writing, remember that "belated" refers specifically to timing and shouldn't be used to describe something unnecessary. Alternatives such as "it is overdue" or "it is late" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is overdue

Emphasizes that something should have happened or been done earlier and is now late.

it is late

A simpler and more direct way of saying something is not on time.

it has come late

Highlights the arrival or occurrence of something at a later time.

it is tardy

A more formal way to express that something is delayed.

it is behind schedule

Focuses on the delay in relation to a planned timeline.

it is postponed

Indicates that something was intentionally delayed to a later time.

it is a delayed reaction

Specifies that the lateness is related to a response or action.

it is an after effect

Highlights that it happens as a consequence of some event, at a later time.

it is a retrospective realization

Underlines that the acknowledgement comes only after reflecting on the past.

it is a subsequent consideration

Focuses on the later timing of the deliberation or thought.

FAQs

How to use "it is belated" in a sentence?

You can use "it is belated" to describe something that is late or delayed, often in reference to an event, acknowledgment, or action. For example: "Although it is belated, we consider it a good thing that the North has decided to take this humanitarian measure."

What can I say instead of "it is belated"?

You can use alternatives like "it is overdue", "it is late", or "it has come late" depending on the context.

Is "it is belated" formal or informal?

"It is belated" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it leans towards a more formal tone than simply saying "it's late". The level of formality depends on the surrounding language and situation.

What's the difference between "it is belated" and "it was belated"?

"It is belated" indicates that something is currently late, while "it was belated" refers to something that was late in the past. For instance, "It is belated news but still good news" (meaning the news is late in arriving), versus "It was a belated invitation" (meaning the invitation arrived late).