later than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

'later than usual' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare a specific time to what is normal or expected. For example: "The train arrived later than usual, so we had to wait an extra half an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

One day, my father came home later than usual.

The New Yorker

We wake up a little later than usual.

The New York Times

Now it was Saturday; he'd slept later than usual.

The New Yorker

That night, Katy came home later than usual.

The New Yorker

In 2017, it opened on May 15, later than usual.

The New York Times - Sports

But today, Robert is home later than usual.

The Guardian - Books

Address in Stadium: "We open two weeks later than usual: why?

Cornell University

The decision was made as lawmakers criticized banks that were considering paying bonuses later than usual.

The New York Times

I am told that the wet season lasted later than usual this year.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even a later-than-usual frost did not help.

The New York Times

Summer is coming: 'Game of Thrones' reveals later-than-usual 2017 return date.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "later than usual" to subtly highlight the impact of a delay, adding depth to your description and engaging the reader.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "later than usual" in close proximity, as this can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "delayed", "tardy", or "behind schedule" to maintain reader interest and stylistic diversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "later than usual" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the timing of an event in comparison to its typical or expected occurrence. Ludwig shows its versatility in describing deviations from standard routines or schedules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "later than usual" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed way to describe an event occurring with a delay compared to the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's versatile, fitting into various contexts from news reports to academic papers. While very common, it is advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons, opting for similar expressions such as "delayed" or "behind schedule". This phrase is appropriate for neutral register. Its function is to modify, primarily with an adverbial and convey that an event happened or will happen with a delay compared to what is considered normal or expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

later than anticipated

This indicates a delay relative to what was predicted or expected.

more delayed than normal

This alternative emphasizes the delay in relation to a standard or typical timeframe.

more behind schedule than expected

This phrase highlights the failure to meet a planned timeline, exceeding initial anticipations.

more tardy than typical

This alternative focuses on the lateness and compares it to a typical level of tardiness.

more overdue than common

This emphasizes exceeding a deadline or expected time, surpassing the usual degree of being overdue.

subsequently to the expected time

This is a more formal and explicit way of saying after the anticipated time.

following the established hour

This expresses the event occurring after the planned or scheduled time.

beyond the agreed time

This phrase highlights that the action happened after the time that was pre-arranged or determined.

following the appointed schedule

This means the action occurs at a time after what was previously arranged.

after the conventional hour

This alternative indicates the action happened following the typical and customary timeframe.

FAQs

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

You can use "later than usual" to describe something that happens at a time that is not typical. For example, "The meeting started "later than usual" due to the CEO's late arrival".

What are some alternatives to "later than usual"?

Alternatives include "more delayed than normal", "later than anticipated", or "more tardy than typical", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "later than usual"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

What's the difference between "later than usual" and "earlier than usual"?

"Later than usual" indicates a delay, whereas "earlier than usual" indicates something happening ahead of the expected time. They are opposites in terms of timing.