it is late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that the time is advanced, often implying that it is time to conclude an activity or go to bed. Example: "I appreciate the conversation, but I think it is late, and I should head home now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is late season, the championship is reaching its climax and there is devilry afoot.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is late.

The Guardian - Books

It is late.

The New York Times

It is late November.

The Guardian - Sport

Yeah, it is late; I'm sorry.

The New York Times

It is hushed, it is late;.

The New Yorker

Even so, it is late in arriving.

The Economist

It is late in the afternoon.

The New Yorker

It is late afternoon as I write.

The New York Times

It is late February, grey and cold.

The Guardian

Yes, it is late in the day.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing. While "it is late" is perfectly acceptable, consider using alternatives like "the hour is late" for a more formal tone, or "it's getting late" for a more casual feel.

Common error

Avoid using "it is late" when you mean something is behind schedule. "It is late" refers to the time of day, not necessarily the progress of a project. In the latter case, say "it is behind schedule."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is late" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the current time is advanced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show the phrase setting a scene, providing a reason to conclude an activity, or expressing concern about missed opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is late" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that the current time is advanced. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and understood. It often implies a need to conclude an activity or to go to bed. While various alternatives exist, such as "the hour is late" or "it's getting late", the core meaning remains consistent. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a range of contexts. It’s important to consider the context when choosing this phrase, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoiding confusion with concepts like being behind schedule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's getting late

This alternative uses a contraction and "getting" to imply the lateness is increasing.

the hour is late

This is a more formal and literary way of saying the same thing.

it is past the deadline

This refers specifically to a missed deadline or a task that should have been completed already.

it is far into the night

This alternative emphasizes the darkness and the advanced hour.

time is running out

This focuses on the limited time remaining, often implying urgency.

it's time to wrap things up

This suggests the end of an activity is near due to the lateness of the hour.

we're running behind schedule

This indicates a delay relative to a planned timeline.

it is overdue

This implies that something should have happened or been completed by now.

the night is advanced

This is a more poetic way of expressing that the night is far along.

the game is late

This alternative focus on the tardiness of a particular "game".

FAQs

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

You can use "it is late" to indicate the advanced time of day, often implying that it's time to conclude an activity or go to bed. For example, "I appreciate the conversation, but "it is late", and I should head home now."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is getting late", "the hour is late", or "it is far into the night" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is lately" instead of "it is late"?

No, "it is lately" is not grammatically correct in this context. "Lately" refers to something that has happened recently, not the current time of day. You should use ""it is late"" to indicate that the time is advanced.

What's the difference between "it is late" and "it is too late"?

"It is late" simply states that the time is advanced. "It is too late" implies that an opportunity has been missed or that something cannot be done because of the time.