somewhat late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not on time, but not excessively delayed. Example: "I apologize for being somewhat late to the meeting; traffic was heavier than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

FIRSTLY, apologies for the somewhat late post blame the Christmas holidays.

The Economist

Ford came somewhat late to the decision to move away from a body-on-frame structure.

The New York Times

"I got into it somewhat late, about a year after its release," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Jay Rayner Elizabeth David came to me somewhat late, in cookery calendar terms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For all of her awareness of systemic and institutionalised injustice in the US, politicisation came somewhat late to Shakur.

The Guardian - Books

Somewhat late in the day, I realised it's one of the greatest of all operas, and Mozart wrote nothing finer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

For New York, the partners have decorated a larger space in somewhat late-19th-century style, with patterned wallpaper and a pressed tin ceiling.

The New York Times

No, the real payoff for us is that Barris has been able to channel his age rage, along with his eclectic résumé, into a shamelessly entertaining, if somewhat late-to-the-party, comic novel, "The Big Question".

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, the odds are that just as the national economy begins to improve somewhat late this year and early in 2002, the New York region will be falling into a slump.

The New York Times

However, the so-called core rate of inflation that is, inflation excluding food and energy prices–has edged down recently after firming somewhat late last year.

Forbes

It was curtailed somewhat abruptly late on Monday night when the Blackpool Supporters Association called for his sacking.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing “somewhat late” with alternatives like “a little behind” or “slightly delayed” if you are looking to soften the tone

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat late" repeatedly in formal writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "slightly delayed" or "a bit behind schedule" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat late" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It indicates the degree to which something is late, suggesting a slight or moderate delay.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat late" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate a moderate degree of tardiness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and everyday conversations. While a neutral expression, be mindful of the context and opt for alternatives like "slightly delayed" or "a bit tardy" when appropriate. Avoid overusing "somewhat late" in formal writing to maintain a fresh and engaging style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat belatedly

Replaces "late" with an adverb emphasizing the delay.

a bit late

Uses a more informal and common expression for slight tardiness.

slightly late

Emphasizes the small degree of lateness.

a touch late

Uses a more subtle and gentle expression of lateness.

marginally late

Highlights that the lateness is only by a small margin.

somewhat delayed

Focuses on the action being delayed rather than just being late.

nearly late

Implies being close to being on time, but still technically late.

somewhat tardy

Replaces "late" with a more formal term for being delayed.

somewhat behind schedule

Emphasizes the deviation from the intended schedule.

slightly behind

Offers a simple and straightforward alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat late" to indicate that something is delayed but not excessively so. For example, "I was "somewhat late" to the meeting due to traffic."

What's a more formal alternative to "somewhat late"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "slightly delayed" or "a bit tardy" instead of "somewhat late".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "somewhat late"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "somewhat late" can sound awkward. Rephrase the sentence to improve flow. For example, instead of "Somewhat late, he arrived at the party", try "He arrived "somewhat late" to the party".

What's the difference between "somewhat late" and "very late"?

"Somewhat late" implies a minor delay, while "very late" indicates a significant delay. Use "somewhat late" when the delay is not severe and "very late" when the delay is substantial.