it was late

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was late" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could write: "I was running late, so I quickly grabbed my things and rushed out the door. It was late, and I didn't want to miss my meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was late fall.

The New York Times

It was late 1995.

Independent

It was late.

The New York Times

It was late afternoon.

The New York Times

It was late May.

The New York Times - Science

It was late at night.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Gee, it's late.

The New Yorker

"It's late night.

The New York Times

Look, it's late.

The New Yorker

Conductor: "It's late".

The New Yorker

"It's late.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was late" to indicate a point in time that is past the expected or usual time for a particular activity or event. This can effectively set the scene or explain a character's actions or feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "it was late" when the context suggests otherwise. For instance, do not say "It was late, around 7 p.m." unless 7 p.m. is considered late in that specific situation. Ensure that the time frame aligns with the conventional understanding of 'late' in your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was late" functions as an adverbial phrase of time. It provides temporal context to a situation, indicating that an event occurred at a time past the usual or expected hour. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was late" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that a certain time is past the usual or expected hour. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression suitable for various contexts. The phrase most frequently appears in News & Media, and to a lesser extent, in formal and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the common understanding of 'late'. Alternatives such as "the hour was late" or "it was getting late" can be used to add variety to your writing. This analysis highlights the versatility and widespread use of "it was late" in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a late hour

Rephrases to emphasize the lateness of the hour, providing a slightly more formal tone.

the hour was late

Changes the sentence structure while maintaining the same meaning.

it was getting late

Indicates a process of becoming late, adding a sense of progression.

it was past the usual time

Replaces 'late' with a description of exceeding a customary time.

it was well into the night

Emphasizes the advanced stage of night.

the night was far gone

A more figurative way of saying it was late, emphasizing the progression of the night.

time had slipped away

Focuses on the passing of time as the reason for lateness.

the day was far spent

Uses more archaic language to convey the lateness of the hour, implying the end of the day.

it was after hours

Indicates a time beyond the usual working or operating hours.

it was toward morning

Suggests a very late hour, nearing the start of the next day.

FAQs

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

Use "it was late" to indicate that the time is past the usual or expected hour, such as, "It was late, so we decided to go home".

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

You can use alternatives like "the hour was late", "it was a late hour", or "it was getting late" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, "it was lately" is not grammatically correct in this context. "Lately" means 'recently' or 'in recent times'. The correct phrase to indicate a time past the usual hour is "it was late".

How does the phrase "it was late" function in a narrative?

In narratives, "it was late" often sets the mood or explains why characters might be tired, or why certain actions are taking place under the cover of darkness. It provides a temporal context for the unfolding events.