show up late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show up late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone arriving after the expected or scheduled time. Example: "I hope you don't show up late to the meeting, as we have a lot to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Don't lecture your friend about how much you hate his lateness and then show up late the next time you guys go out for drinks.

WikiHow

People can show up late, or never.

The New York Times - Food

So she'll show up late or not at all.

The Guardian - Books

"They chose to show up late and hold a political rally," he said.

The New York Times

You agree, but you show up late, explaining, "I totally fucked up on the subway".

The New Yorker

Sometimes he would wait for the end and show up late.

The New York Times

About all of these callow, absent husbands, who show up late and immediately start advising?

The New Yorker

As her professor wrote in an e-mail message, "Maybe you should show up late for all your finals".

The New York Times

A leader does not show up late for Game 6 of the World Series, as Williams did.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He'd show up late--but with a perfect excuse.

The New Yorker

Here are some ways to create a racket: Show up late--loudly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of lateness, use "show up late" to emphasize the action of arriving after the expected time, rather than just being generally late.

Common error

Avoid using "show up late" when the emphasis is not on the act of arriving, but rather on the general state of being behind schedule. For instance, use "the project is late" instead of "the project showed up late".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "show up late" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the action of arriving after the expected or scheduled time. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage in describing tardiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "show up late" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe arriving after the scheduled or expected time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, though it's most frequently found in news and media and Wiki articles. While alternatives such as "arrive tardy" or "come late" exist, "show up late" often carries a connotation of unexpectedness or casualness. When using this phrase, ensure that the emphasis is truly on the act of arriving late, rather than just being generally behind schedule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to arrive on time

Explicitly states the failure to be present at the expected moment.

come late

A simpler and more direct way of saying someone arrived after the expected time.

not make it on time

A general way of saying someone was unable to arrive at the scheduled time.

arrive behind schedule

Someone or something arrives after the assigned or planned time.

arrive tardy

Indicates a formal or somewhat archaic way of saying someone is late.

be unpunctual

A more formal way of describing someone who is not on time.

roll in late

Suggests a casual or nonchalant arrival after the scheduled time.

be behind schedule

Focuses on the state of being late in relation to a planned timetable.

be delayed

Focuses on the reason for not being on time, rather than the act of arriving late itself.

miss the deadline

Specifically refers to failing to meet a time limit or required time.

FAQs

What does it mean to "show up late"?

The phrase "show up late" means to arrive at a place or event after the scheduled or expected time.

What can I say instead of "show up late"?

You can use alternatives like "arrive tardy", "come late", or "roll in late" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "show up late" or "arrive late"?

Both "show up late" and "arrive late" are correct, but "show up late" often implies a more casual or unexpected appearance. "Arrive late" is a more general term for not being on time.

How can I avoid "showing up late" to meetings?

Plan your travel in advance, set reminders, and factor in potential delays to ensure you "arrive on time".