little later

USAGE SUMMARY

"little later" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time in the near future. For example: "We'll talk about it a little later".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A little later she died.

The New Yorker

Maybe a little later".

The New York Times - Sports

A little later the Bellevue ambulance came.

The New Yorker

That came along a little later.

The New Yorker

A little later, Xuman is more earnest.

The New York Times

A little later, his phone rang again.

The New York Times

"It tends to come a little later.

The New York Times - Sports

"Most of them come a little later.

The New York Times

A little later in life.

The New Yorker

I was a little later.

The New York Times - Sports

A little later: "That's a dodo vertebra".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "little later" in formal writing. Opt for more precise expressions like "subsequently" or "at a later time" when appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "little later" when a precise time can be specified. Instead of saying, "I'll call you a little later", it's better to say, "I'll call you at 3 PM" if you know the exact time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little later" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurs. It specifies a point in time that is relatively close to the present or to a previously mentioned time. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little later" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that something will occur in the near future. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It's generally appropriate for neutral contexts, such as news articles and everyday conversations. While it's versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional or academic writing. Common alternatives include "shortly afterwards" and "in a short while". With 59 examples extracted from various sources, its frequency underscores its widespread use in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit later

Similar in meaning, but uses "bit" instead of "little" offering a slightly more casual tone.

shortly afterwards

Focuses on the temporal proximity to the initial event, emphasizing the brief interval.

soon after that

Highlights the quick succession of events.

in a moment

Implies immediacy and a very short period of time.

in a short while

Emphasizes the brevity of the waiting period.

after a while

Indicates an unspecified duration before the subsequent event.

at a later time

More formal and general, suitable for professional settings.

in due course

Suggests something will happen at the appropriate time, not necessarily immediately.

by and by

An older, somewhat archaic expression indicating gradual progression towards a future point.

down the line

Implies a point further in the future, often with a sense of progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "little later" to indicate that something will happen in the near future. For example, "We can discuss this "little later"" or "I'll address that issue "little later"".

What are some alternatives to "little later"?

Alternatives to "little later" include "shortly afterwards", "soon after that", or "in a short while", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "little later" appropriate for formal writing?

While "little later" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "subsequently" or "at a later time".

What's the difference between "little later" and "a little later"?

The inclusion of the article "a" doesn't change the meaning significantly. Both "little later" and "a little later" are acceptable and commonly used. The presence or absence of "a" often depends on stylistic preference or sentence flow.