late call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "late call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a decision or communication that occurs later than expected or after a deadline. Example: "I received a late call from the client, which changed our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Later novels include Late Call (1964), As If By Magic (1973), and Setting the World on Fire (1980).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Azarenka: "That's a late call".

The New York Times

Two set points on a late call!

The Guardian - Sport

The late call has clearly suited them.

The Guardian - Sport

Late Call is published by Faber Finds (£15).

The Guardian - Books

Late call on a Robson serve - she challenges and wins the point.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

There was also a late call-up for Ricky Quade's Sydney side in 1983, Vin's last year in league footy.

The Guardian - Sport

Michael Morgan was a late call-up to the Maroons team but he could prove a critical inclusion.

The Guardian - Sport

Danny Rose will continue at left-back unless Hodgson brings in a late call-up for a defence featuring John Stones, Phil Jagielka and Kyle Walker.

The Guardian - Sport

An injury to Norwich City's John Ruddy brought the then 19-year-old Butland a surprise late call-up to Roy Hodgson's senior squad for last year's European Championship.

Independent

Agar, who is of Sri Lankan descent, was a late call-up to Australia's squad for the series and a surprise choice for the current match ahead of its more established spin bowler, Nathan Lyon.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports contexts, be clear about whether the "late call" refers to a referee's decision, a player selection, or some other event.

Common error

Avoid using "late call" when a more specific term would better convey the meaning. For instance, instead of "receiving a late call about the meeting", specify "receiving a last-minute notification about the meeting" if that's more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late call" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound, with usage spanning from referring to tardy announcements to last-minute decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

30%

General Usage

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "late call" is a commonly used noun phrase that indicates something happening or being communicated later than expected. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is frequently used in news, sports, and general conversation, with potential alternatives like "last-minute decision" or "delayed notification" offering similar meanings depending on the specific context. When using the phrase "late call", consider the context carefully to ensure the meaning is clear and to avoid any ambiguity between literal and figurative interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last-minute decision

Emphasizes the timing of the decision being made very close to the deadline.

last-second invite

Similar to last-minute decision but relates to invitations.

delayed notification

Focuses on the aspect of the announcement being made later than expected.

postponed notification

Highlights that the notification has been delayed.

delayed alert

Focuses on the aspect of the alert being delayed.

tardy announcement

Highlights the lateness of the announcement.

tardy update

Emphasizes that the update was late.

belated communication

Stresses that the communication was delayed.

rescheduled appointment

Focuses specifically on appointments that have been moved to a later time.

overdue summons

Implies the call or invitation was expected earlier.

FAQs

What does "late call" mean?

A "late call" refers to a decision, notification, or communication that is made or occurs later than expected, often close to a deadline or event.

How can I use "late call" in a sentence?

You can use "late call" in sentences like, "The coach made a "last-minute decision" due to injuries" or "I received a "delayed notification" about the change in plans".

What can I say instead of "late call"?

Alternatives include "last-minute decision", "delayed notification", or "tardy announcement", depending on the context.

In what contexts is "late call" commonly used?

"Late call" is frequently used in sports, news reporting, and general discussions about events or decisions that occur with a delay.