late

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is happening, has happened, or will happen after the expected or usual time. For example: "I arrived late to the party because of traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Too little, too late.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not too late".

The New York Times

"Is it too late?

The New York Times

It was too late.

The New York Times

And then it will be too late.

The Guardian

They were too late.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a view echoed by Laura Crossley, who coordinates a cluster of 18 museums and sites across north Norfolk all taking part in the late-night festival.

The Guardian

But it was already a late-stage product, and the mechanism has not yet been used again.

The Guardian

"You may go looking for anime on mainstream television," he said, "but anime's profile on mainstream UK television has always been relatively low – a few late-night screenings on Channel 4 and the occasional prime-time airing on Sci Fi".

The Guardian

"We have given local areas the power to restrict the sale of alcohol in the early hours and to ensure those who profit from a late-night licence help pay towards the costs of policing.

The Guardian

So it turns out Paul Whittaker is not to blame for the Daily Telegraph's much-maligned late-afternoon edition on the day of the siege.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, specify the context of "late". For example, instead of saying 'the project was late', clarify with 'the project was late in its delivery' or 'the project was late according to the deadline'.

Common error

Avoid using "late" vaguely. Provide specific details about what is late and in relation to what. For example, instead of saying 'he was late', clarify with 'he was late for his appointment' or 'he was late in submitting the report'.

Linguistic Context

The word "late" primarily functions as an adjective and adverb. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something occurring after the expected or usual time, or being near the end of a period. It also functions as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Arts

5%

Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "late" is a versatile word that can function as an adjective, adverb, or noun, primarily used to indicate something occurring after the expected time or near the end of a period. As per Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle content. Remember to provide context when using "late" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "tardy", "delayed", and "overdue", each with subtle differences. Overall, "late" is a common and useful word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tardy

Emphasizes a failure to arrive or act on time.

behind schedule

Focuses on a delay in relation to a planned timetable.

overdue

Highlights that something should have happened or been completed by a specific time.

delayed

Indicates a postponement or deferral of an event or action.

belated

Suggests that something is happening later than expected, often with a sense of apology or regret.

in the late stages

Refers specifically to the concluding phase of a process or event.

at a later time

Indicates something will occur after the present moment.

of recent vintage

Emphasizes the newness or recency of something.

deceased

Specifically refers to someone who has died, in the context of "the late Mr. X".

ex-

Indicates a former position or role.

FAQs

How can I use "late" in a sentence?

You can use "late" as an adverb, adjective, or noun. For example, 'I arrived "late" to the meeting' (adverb), 'It was a "late" night' (adjective), or 'He works the "late" shift' (noun).

What are some alternatives to saying "late"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tardy", "delayed", "overdue", or "behind schedule".

What's the difference between "late" and "belated"?

"Late" generally means after the expected time. "Belated" implies something is delayed and often carries a sense of apology or regret, such as a "belated" birthday wish.

Is it correct to say "of late"?

Yes, "of late" is a correct and idiomatic expression meaning 'recently' or 'lately'. For example, 'I haven't seen him "of late"'.