really late

USAGE SUMMARY

"really late" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
For example, "I was running really late so I had to take a taxi to the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like, really late.

The New York Times - Sports

"Really late," Westhoff said.

The New York Times - Sports

Normally I come really late.

The New York Times

Really late bloomer".

The Guardian - Music

It's really late.

The Guardian

"They showed up really late," Ray said.

The New York Times

There are some really late nights.

The New Yorker

"Justice came, but really late.

The Guardian

"Five minutes isn't really late".

The New York Times - Magazine

Last night I finished really late.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm really late for cheerleading practice".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "really late" to describe a time, ensure it's clear what the point of reference is. For instance, specify if it's "really late at night" or "really late for the meeting".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "really" to intensify lateness. Instead, consider stronger alternatives like "extremely", "incredibly", or restructuring the sentence for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really late" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "late". It describes the degree to which something is delayed or behind schedule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really late" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the degree of lateness across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and commonly used phrase. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent occurrence in news, media, and informal settings. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, writers should consider stronger alternatives for formal or impactful writing. The phrase's purpose is to underscore the extent of tardiness or delay, and its usage is generally appropriate for neutral to informal communication. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively employ "really late" or its alternatives to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely late

Emphasizes a higher degree of lateness.

very delayed

Focuses on the aspect of being behind schedule.

considerably late

Highlights the significant amount of lateness.

terribly late

Indicates a strong negative feeling about the lateness.

excessively late

Suggests the lateness is beyond what is acceptable.

inordinately late

Similar to excessively late, implying an unreasonable delay.

unusually late

Highlights that the lateness is not typical.

remarkably late

Emphasizes how noticeable the lateness is.

awfully late

Similar to terribly late, showing strong disapproval.

too late

Indicates the point of being past usability or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "really late" in a sentence?

You can use "really late" to describe being behind schedule, such as "I'm "running really late" for my appointment" or to describe a time, such as "It was "really late at night" when we finished the project".

What are some alternatives to saying "really late"?

Alternatives include "extremely late", "very delayed", or "considerably late", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "really late" or "very late"?

Both "really late" and "very late" are acceptable, but "really late" might sound slightly more informal. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality you aim for.

What does it mean to be a "really late bloomer"?

A "really late bloomer" refers to someone who develops their talents or achieves success later in life than is typical. It suggests a delayed emergence of potential.