late today

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "late today" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen or is expected to happen later in the day. Example: "I will be arriving late today due to traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This state of affairs is doubly extraordinary because, unlike the 1930s or late 19th century, there is a welfare state – even if it is under assault from the coalition – which thankfully underwrites collective demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

And next year?

The New York Times

"We believe together we have an opportunity to demonstrate the true nature of British Islam today.

The Guardian

There is a need to lay out more clearly than ever before what being a British Muslim means today: proud of your faith and proud of your country.

The Guardian

It remains true today".

The Guardian

Nazarbayev permitted a relatively high degree of political activity until the emergence of a reform movement called Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan, backed by several wealthy business people, in late 2001.

The Guardian

You can't say that about some of the grey men at the top of British business today.

The Guardian

Today is a day for fond memories and respect.

The Guardian

These reached boiling point in the western city of Zhanaozen in late 2011 when authorities opened fire on striking workers, leaving at least 14 dead.

The Guardian

"These are old monopolies that have become privatised, and I think if you don't get tough regulation, you do get the consumer being ripped off," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The Guardian - Money

Nevertheless, that cannot in any way spoil my pleasure in being here today".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "late today" when you want to indicate something will occur or be completed near the end of the current day, but without a precise time.

Common error

Avoid using "late today" if you can specify a more precise time. Saying "late today" when you mean "at 5 PM" is less clear and potentially confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late today" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically indicating when something will occur. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Late today" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something will happen near the end of the current day. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider context and whether a more specific time might be more appropriate. Alternative phrases like ""later today"" or ""this afternoon"" offer similar meanings and can be used depending on the desired level of specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Later today

Simple substitution of "late" with "later" maintains the meaning of a time occurring further into the current day.

This afternoon

Implies a time within the afternoon hours of the current day, similar to "late today" but less open-ended.

Toward the end of the day

More explicitly describes the timing as near the close of the current day.

Before the day is out

An idiomatic way of saying something will happen before the end of today.

In the latter part of the day

A more formal phrasing indicating something will occur in the second half of the day.

By day's end

Focuses on completion by the end of the day, similar to a deadline.

As the day progresses

Indicates something will occur as time passes within the current day.

In the hours to come today

Emphasizes the remaining hours of the current day.

In the waning hours of today

Poetic phrasing referring to the final hours of the current day.

Sometime later in the day

Vaguely indicates a time later today without specifying when.

FAQs

What does "late today" mean?

"Late today" means sometime toward the end of the current day. It's not precise, but indicates something will happen before the day ends. You can use alternatives like "later today" or "this afternoon".

How is "late today" different from "earlier today"?

"Late today" refers to the end of the current day, while "earlier today" refers to a time that has already passed in the current day. They are opposites in terms of timing within the same day.

Can I use "late today" in formal writing?

Yes, "late today" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although more precise language may be preferred depending on the context. Consider "by day's end" or "in the latter part of the day" for more formal alternatives.

What can I say instead of "late today"?

You can use alternatives like ""later today"", ""this afternoon"", or "toward the end of the day" depending on the context.