the late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has recently died. For example, "The late John Smith was a kind and generous man."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The late R.F.

The Economist

The late R.U.F.

The New Yorker

Blossoms in the late.

The New Yorker

The late Pres.

The New Yorker

The late M.G.

The New York Times

(The late 19th century).

The New York Times - Arts

Husband of the late Mary.

The New York Times

The Late Night Monkey-Cam.

The New Yorker

Or rather, the late morning.

The New York Times

(This was the late sixties).

The New Yorker

Wife of the late Constantin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone who has died, use "the late" followed by their name or title. This adds a respectful tone, especially in formal writing or speech.

Common error

Avoid using "the late" in contexts where it might imply blame or negativity towards the deceased. Focus on respectful and neutral language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the late" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the person or thing referred to is deceased or belongs to a past time. Ludwig's examples show this usage, particularly in obituaries and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the late" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to someone who has died or something that belongs to a past time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's frequently seen in news and media, often in obituaries or historical articles. While generally neutral to formal, it's essential to use it respectfully, avoiding any implication of blame. Alternatives include "the deceased" or "the former", depending on the context. Understanding its function and register helps ensure proper usage in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the deceased

Refers specifically to someone who has died, similar to "the late" when used in reference to a person.

the recently departed

Emphasizes the recency of someone's death, aligning closely with the meaning of "the late".

the no-longer-living

Explicitly refers to someone who is dead, providing a direct alternative to "the late" in that context.

the former

Indicates someone who previously held a position or title, mirroring "the late" in contexts beyond just death.

the previous

Similar to 'the former', it indicates something or someone that existed before the current one.

the past

Implies something or someone belonging to a time before the present.

the erstwhile

A more formal way of saying 'former' or 'previous'.

the defunct

Refers to something that no longer exists or functions.

of recent vintage

Highlights the newness or recent occurrence of something, related to 'late' as in 'recent'.

the recently

Refers to actions or events that have occurred in the near past.

FAQs

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

Use "the late" before the name or title of someone who has died, such as "the late author" or "the late president". It's commonly used in obituaries, news reports, and formal speeches.

What's the difference between "the late" and "deceased"?

"The late" is an adjective used before a name or title, while "deceased" is a noun referring to a dead person. For example, "the late Mr Smith" versus "the deceased's will".

Can I use "the late" for something other than a person?

Yes, "the late" can also refer to a period or era, such as "the late Victorian era", indicating the end of that time. However, it's most commonly used for deceased individuals.

What are some alternatives to using "the late"?

Depending on the context, you might use "the former" to indicate a previous position or "the deceased" to refer to someone who has died. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.