later later

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "later later" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used informally to emphasize a later time, but it is not widely accepted. Example: "I'll call you back later later, after I finish my meeting."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Now what happens when you start to continue to stay later, later, later, and you don't hold to your agreement to yourself?

Harvard Business Review

"Later, later," said Mr. Boni, the Benin president, as he prepared for yet another visit to Mr. Gbagbo.

The New York Times

"Each time I asked Rosegar to register me with the Home Office, they said: 'Later, later'," Katarzyna told me.

The Guardian

Jupp Heynckes, the Bayern coach, talked later later of one of the more satisfying results of his managerial career.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, a little later, and a little later later, because between the first and second, you get a velocity, the second and third you get another velocity.

Yale University

If you're moving with the particle, and if you're here now and there later, later is certainly later, but here remains here for the particle.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

As the years went on, the state budget was finalized later and later and later.

The New Yorker

According to Department of Justice rules, Disney, which owns ESPN, must divest these networks within 90 days of the deal closing later later this week.

Forbes

Diamond and her colleagues are so fed up with their stagnant pay and rising health care costs that they have decided to walk off the job later later this week.

Huffington Post

Griff later rejoined later after apologizing and meeting with the National Holocaust Awareness Student Organization.

The New Yorker

The animals were slaughtered through decapitation under Nembutal anesthesia within the following scheme: 1 day later, 3 days later, and 7 days later after each injection.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "later later" can be used for emphasis in informal contexts, consider using more standard alternatives like "later on" or "after a while" for clarity and broader acceptance in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "later later" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more appropriate alternatives like "subsequently" or "at a later date" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "later later" is as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It emphasizes the temporal aspect of an action or event occurring at a subsequent time. Ludwig shows examples where it indicates a delay or postponement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "later later" is an adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something will happen at a subsequent time. While it appears in various sources, as pointed out by Ludwig, it is generally considered informal and may be perceived as redundant in more formal contexts. Standard alternatives such as ""later on"" or "after a while" are preferable in professional or academic writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically acceptable but not standard. Its primary function is to emphasize futurity, but overuse in formal contexts should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently afterwards

Emphasizes the temporal sequence of events, similar to "later later", but sounds slightly more formal.

at a later date

A more formal equivalent, suitable for professional correspondence.

down the line

Refers to a point in the future, often implying planning or anticipation.

in due course

Suggests something will happen at an appropriate time in the future.

at a future time

A formal way of referring to something happening in the future, less emphatic than "later later".

at some point

Indicates an unspecified time in the future without a specific deadline.

further down the road

Similar to "down the line", but more informal.

in the fullness of time

Suggests something will happen when the conditions are right; a more philosophical take.

eventually sometime

Implies an unspecified time in the future. It highlights that an event will occur, although the timing is uncertain.

after a period of time

Specifies that some event happened, emphasizing the passing of time.

FAQs

How can I use "later later" in a sentence?

You can use "later later" informally to emphasize that something will happen at a time further in the future. For example: "I'll address that issue "later on", but first, let's focus on this."

What's a more formal alternative to "later later"?

For professional or academic writing, consider using phrases like "at a later date", "subsequently", or "in due course" instead of "later later".

Is "later later" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "later later" is not a standard phrase in English and may sound redundant or informal. Consider rephrasing for clarity and conciseness.

When is it appropriate to use "later later"?

Using "later later" is most appropriate in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family, where the added emphasis is acceptable. Avoid it in formal writing or professional communication.