long belated

USAGE SUMMARY

"long belated" is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe something that was expected or supposed to happen long ago, but has not yet occurred. For example, "The apology she finally offered was long belated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The long-belated rule, inspired in part by the failures of preparedness after Hurricane Katrina, would make it a requirement for health care facilities, including hospitals, to meet certain preparedness standards in order to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.

The New York Times

Some of the best music ever made for use in a movie is on display in a long-belated new release, "Who's Crazy?," directed by Thomas White, who shot the film in 1965 and completed it in 1966.

The New Yorker

Instead, they're still waiting, except for Collins, who died in 1988, before "Losing Ground" — one of the first American features made by a black woman — was released (it had only a few showings in museums and on public television prior to its long-belated commercial release in 2015).

The New Yorker

He and his 25-person team are trying to determine if electromechanical devices can more precisely measure impairment and accelerate what is now a belated, long and expensive rehabilitation.

The New York Times

"Whenever I made speeches, I used to hear Eric growling behind me: 'Remember Alex – when Scotland goes, Liverpool's coming with you!'" Independence, he said, would offer northern England and Liverpool "a catalyst to secure real political power, to allow determination of the future, not the long wait for belated scraps from the Westminster table".

The Guardian

In a final triumph, the gallery and TV shows were followed by a summer-long Museum of Modern Art exhibition, organized in belated celebration of Picasso's 80th birthday.

Los Angeles Times

She argues that the only acceptable punishment for priests who have abused young people is formal defrocking, however belated.Defrocking is a long, convoluted process, and the Vatican is most reluctant to lose priestsBut defrocking is a long, convoluted process, and the Vatican though it does not have to approve each case is most reluctant to lose priests.

The Economist

There was joy again at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, a blend of holiday cheer, pent-up expectation and the thrill of the N.B.A.'s belated return after a long, strange off-season.

The New York Times - Sports

The grandeur of the monument was acclaimed by veterans, who may well see its lavish appearance as some kind of belated compensation for a long delay in commemorating their sacrifice.

The Guardian - Opinion

And McGwire, who confessed last January to his long-suspected drug use, found that belated honesty did not bring much of a reward.

The New York Times - Sports

It will be seen in Iran as a diplomatic victory and belated acknowledgement of a long-festering Iranian sense of injustice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long belated" to emphasize that something not only happened late, but was expected or should have happened a significant amount of time ago.

Common error

Avoid using "long belated" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or neutral language may be preferable. Consider options like "delayed" or "overdue" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Long belated" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes something that is both late and has been expected for a considerable amount of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long belated" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something significantly overdue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while its frequency is uncommon, it effectively conveys the extended duration of a delay. It's most often found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in most situations, consider more neutral alternatives like "delayed" or "overdue" in formal writing. When used appropriately, "long belated" adds emphasis to the lateness of an event or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long overdue

Emphasizes that something should have happened much earlier.

long delayed

Simple variation with reordered words.

much delayed

Simple variation stressing the delay.

considerably delayed

Highlights the extent of the delay.

significantly postponed

Focuses on the act of delaying something important.

substantially deferred

Highlights the postponement to a considerable extent.

long in coming

Idiomatic expression for something that took a very long time to happen.

belatedly

Adverbial form that emphasizes the lateness of an action.

remarkably late

Emphasizes how unusual the lateness is.

tardily

Simple adverb emphasizing lateness.

FAQs

What does "long belated" mean?

"Long belated" means something is significantly overdue or has been delayed for a considerable time.

How can I use "long belated" in a sentence?

You can say, "The apology was a "long belated" response to years of mistreatment."

What's a synonym for "long belated"?

Alternatives include "long overdue", "considerably delayed", or "significantly postponed".

Is "long belated" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "long belated" leans toward a slightly less formal tone. Use with caution in academic or highly professional settings.