late answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "late answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a response that is given after a delay or after the expected time. Example: "I apologize for my late answer; I was caught up with other commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, the creation of this association was a late answer to the problem, that should have been planned from the beginning in order to provide potential users with an assurance about the continuity of the APIs.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"A tenet of Six Sigma is that you take variability out of results," Mr. Deangelo explained, "and this enabled us to get rid of an entire category of potential defects, which is wrong, incomplete or late answers".

The New York Times

"It's too late," answers Firefly, "I've already paid a month's rent on the battlefield".

Forbes

That night I was up late answering messages, and the first message from "my kid" popped up.

Huffington Post

Snow's latest answer lay along the fence, not far from the python we were watching.

The New Yorker

The latest answer, based on insights from recent archeological discoveries and genome-sequencing studies, is that cats are semi-domesticated.

The New Yorker

And all I can think is that I am ready for IBM's latest answer to Deep Blue to come in and do the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

The industry's latest answer to the conundrum is to pepper stores with self-service kiosks where consumers can edit photos and make their own prints from digital memory cards.

The New York Times

So say scientists at the frontiers of research on the eternal question of what women find erotic, the latest answer to which seems to be: not naked guys, or at least not simply naked guys.

The New York Times

IN THE waters once plied by the warships and merchants of ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt, there is a new breed of seafarers whose only aim is recreation.Port Ghalib, on Egypt's Red Sea, is being promoted as the latest answer to the dreams of cruising sailors; a marina is the main feature of a tourist development that will occupy many miles of coast.

The Economist

With great fanfare, Chrysler unveiled the Dodge Stratus, a stylish four-door sedan, which, along with a higher-priced sibling, the Cirrus (there was, alas, no Cumulus), was Detroit's latest answer to the little juggernauts from Japan, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "late answer", ensure the context clearly indicates what the expected time frame for the answer was. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "late answer" without establishing a clear timeframe for when the response was expected. This prevents confusion and ensures the lateness is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late answer" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "late" modifies the noun "answer". This combination describes an answer that was provided after a certain expected time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "late answer" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a response that arrives after it was expected. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct, it's important to ensure that the context clearly defines the expected timeframe to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "delayed response" or "belated answer" can be used to convey the same meaning. Primarily found in news and media, it can also be applicable in scientific and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delayed response

Emphasizes the delay in providing a response.

tardy reply

Highlights the lateness or unpunctuality of the response.

belated answer

Stresses that the answer came later than it should have.

overdue response

Implies that the response was expected earlier and is now past the deadline.

response after a delay

Directly states that the response followed a period of waiting.

answer given late

Focuses on the act of providing an answer at a later time.

slow response

Indicates that the response was not prompt.

response coming late

Highlights the timing of the response.

answer after some time

Specifies that the answer was provided following a duration of time.

response that was delayed

Emphasizes the condition of the response being delayed.

FAQs

What does "late answer" mean?

A "late answer" refers to a response that is given after a delay or beyond the expected or appropriate time.

What can I say instead of "late answer"?

You can use alternatives like "delayed response", "tardy reply", or "belated answer" depending on the context.

Is "late answer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "late answer" is grammatically correct as it uses an adjective to describe a noun.

How do I use "late answer" in a sentence?

You can use "late answer" in sentences such as, "I apologize for the late answer; I was caught up with other commitments" or "The company's late answer caused them to miss the deadline".