it was belated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was belated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that occurred later than expected or intended, often in relation to greetings or acknowledgments. 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

3 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

"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

"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

The African Union was belated in responding but realised it was not only a Nigerian problem but a regional problem".

The Guardian

In a sense, the surge was belated emergency triage.

The New Yorker

19 Our patient had an advanced tumor and diagnosis was belated due to the absence of hormonal excess symptoms.

Clinical interventions in aging

It may have been belated, but at least Pettersen has now acknowledged the cloud she cast before that silver lining.

The Guardian - Sport

As many critics pointed out from the start, it appeared to be belated acceptance that anomalies across Europe (for example the bumper new Premier League TV deal in England) made it impossible to impose a one-size-fits-all FFP rule across the continent.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was belated," consider the impact of the delay. Does it affect the outcome or perception of the event? If so, make that clear in your writing to emphasize the significance.

Common error

Avoid using "it was belated" when a simple "late" or "delayed" suffices. Overusing "belated" can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted. Ensure the situation warrants the stronger connotation of tardiness and potential regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was belated" functions as a statement indicating that something occurred later than expected or desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing delayed rewards, recognitions, or interventions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was belated" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that happened later than expected, often with a hint of regret or acknowledgment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, signifying a neutral register. While "late" or "delayed" can be simpler alternatives, "it was belated" adds a touch of sophistication when the situation warrants it. When writing, remember to consider the context and avoid overuse. Alternative phrases such as ""it was overdue"" or ""it was late"" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was overdue

Emphasizes that something should have happened or been done earlier.

it was late

A more general term indicating tardiness or delay.

it was a tardy

Highlights the slowness or lateness of an action or event.

it was behind schedule

Specifically refers to a delay in a planned timeline.

it was unpunctual

Suggests a lack of adherence to a specific time or schedule.

it was deferred

Indicates that something was postponed or delayed to a later time.

it was dilatory

Implies a deliberate slowness or delay, often with negative connotations.

it was postponed

Similar to deferred, but with a stronger sense of official rescheduling.

it was protracted

Describes something that has been unnecessarily prolonged or extended.

it was long-delayed

Highlights that the event had been delayed for a long time.

FAQs

How can I use "it was belated" in a sentence?

Use "it was belated" to indicate that something happened later than expected. For instance, "It was a belated birthday gift, arriving weeks after the actual date".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was belated"?

A more formal alternative could be "it was overdue" or "it was a late response".

Is "it was belated" always negative?

While "it was belated" often implies a delay that may be regrettable, it's not always negative. For example, "It was a belated recognition of his achievements" can still be positive, even if the recognition came late.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "it was belated"?

Similar phrases include "it was "it was overdue"", "it was "it was late"", and "it was "it was long-delayed"".