running late

USAGE SUMMARY

"running late" is correct and usable in written English.
It often means "arriving much later than expected or planned". For example: I'm running late for the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Train running late?

The New York Times

They were running late.

Independent

Meanwhile, he was running late.

The New Yorker

"Oliver's running late," he said.

The New Yorker

She was already running late.

The New York Times

Running late for a meeting.

The New York Times

Dr. Flaherty was running late.

The New York Times

JAVIER CORRAL is running late.

The Economist

Running late, you know.

The New York Times

We're running late".

The Guardian - Music

"We're already running late".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "running late", specify the reason if possible to provide context and clarity. For example, "I'm running late due to traffic" is more informative than just "I'm running late".

Common error

Avoid using "running late" excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "behind schedule" or "delayed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running late" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of tardiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and correct usage. Examples from Ludwig show it describing people, trains, and even transformers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running late" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express tardiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and widely understood. Predominantly found in News & Media, it functions as an adjectival phrase to modify a noun, most often a person. When communicating delays, consider providing context for clarity and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms. By grasping these nuances, you can effectively use and interpret "running late" in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind schedule

Emphasizes being behind the planned timeline.

not on time

A straightforward way of stating lateness.

delayed

Focuses on the act of being held up or postponed.

held up

Suggests an external factor is causing the lateness.

tardy

A more formal term for being late.

overdue

Indicates something should have happened earlier.

lagging

Implies a gradual falling behind.

pressed for time

Similar to "in a time crunch", emphasizing the limited time available.

in a time crunch

Highlights the pressure of being late.

up against the clock

Suggests a struggle to finish on time.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "running late"?

Saying someone is "running late" means they are expected to arrive later than scheduled or expected.

What can I say instead of "running late"?

You can use alternatives like "behind schedule", "delayed", or "tardy" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "running late"?

Yes, "running late" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English.

How do I use "running late" in a sentence?

You can use "running late" to describe someone's current state, such as "I am running late for my appointment", or to explain a past situation, such as "The train was running late this morning".