run late

USAGE SUMMARY

"run late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone or something arrives after the expected or planned time: The train was running late, so I missed my appointment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I do not run late.

The New York Times

(Gretchen plans to run late and then call to cancel).

The New York Times

If they run late, those entrances are missed.

The New York Times

I stopped going to parties that run late.

The New Yorker

Over all, about a quarter of domestic flights run late.

The New York Times

Toronto is on its longest winning streak since a 10-game run late in 2008.

The New York Times - Sports

And if we run late, it just takes longer for patients to get an appointment.

The New York Times

So we run late, of course, although only modestly behind schedule.

The Guardian - Music

He used to say: "In films, trains never run late" – I love that.

The Guardian

A 12-0 run late in the fourth quarter cemented the rare victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Big computer modernization projects often run late and cost more than anticipated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run late", consider the subject. It can refer to people, schedules, trains, projects, or anything that can be delayed. Ensure the context makes this clear.

Common error

Avoid using "run late" without clarifying why something is delayed. Providing context (e.g., "The train ran late due to bad weather") enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run late" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a delay or tardiness in relation to a scheduled time or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run late" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a delay or tardiness. As Ludwig AI states, it’s suitable for various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. While it's mostly used in neutral settings, understanding the nuances of its usage, as highlighted by Ludwig’s examples, can significantly improve clarity and precision in writing. Remember to provide context to explain why something is "running late" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""be delayed"" or "be behind schedule" can be used for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be delayed

Focuses on the state of being held up rather than the action of becoming late.

be behind schedule

Highlights a deviation from the planned timeline.

arrive late

Specifically refers to the act of coming after the expected time.

fall behind

Emphasizes a gradual lagging behind in terms of time.

be tardy

A more formal way of saying 'be late'.

miss the deadline

Highlights failing to meet a specific time constraint.

drag on

Implies that something is taking longer than expected.

be held up

Suggests being stopped or delayed by unforeseen circumstances.

get waylaid

Suggests being delayed unexpectedly while on a journey.

dawdle

To waste time; to be slow and unproductive.

FAQs

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

You can use "run late" to describe a person or event that is delayed. For example, "I "run late" sometimes, but I always call ahead" or "The meeting might "run late" depending on the agenda".

What's the difference between "run late" and "be late"?

"Run late" implies an ongoing state of being delayed, whereas "be late" is a more general statement about not being on time. For example, "The train will "be delayed" due to an accident" versus "The train is expected to "run late" all evening".

Which is correct, "running late" or "run late"?

Both are correct, but they have different usages. "Running late" is the present continuous tense, used to describe something currently happening. "Run late" is the base form, used in general statements or with auxiliary verbs. For example, "I am "running late" to my appointment" versus "Trains often "run late" during rush hour".

What are some alternatives to "run late"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""be delayed"", "be behind schedule", or "arrive late".