we arrived behind time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we arrived behind time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you reached a destination later than expected or scheduled. Example: "Due to heavy traffic, we arrived behind time for the meeting and missed the first part of the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We arrived on time.

The New York Times - Travel

Above all, will we arrive in time to check in?

Independent

I think we arrived some time in June.

BBC

When we arrived at Times Square, I pushed passed him with the force of the other riders behind me.

The New York Times

We arrived at the same time as some other reporters.

Vice

We arrived at the party on time, properly shod.

The New York Times

We arrived at Cal State L.A. with time to spare.

Los Angeles Times

By the time we arrived on the scene, Waterford's days of wine and roses were well behind it.

Huffington Post

It was dark by the time we arrived in Pawnee.

The New York Times - Travel

We arrived ahead of the time and submitted our presentation.

The Economist

Once we arrived, there was no time for ceremony.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we arrived behind time", ensure the context clearly establishes what schedule or expected time you are referencing. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid switching tenses within the same sentence. For example, don't mix past tense ("arrived") with present continuous ("are behind time"). Choose one tense and maintain it throughout.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we arrived behind time" functions as a statement indicating that a planned or expected arrival time was not met. It describes the condition of being late upon reaching a destination. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we arrived behind time" is grammatically correct, indicating that an arrival occurred later than expected or scheduled. Ludwig AI validates its usability. However, it's a relatively rare construction; more common alternatives such as "we arrived late" are typically preferred. The phrase functions to inform about a delay, and its register is generally neutral. It’s most effective when the context clearly establishes the reference point for the expected arrival time. The phrase has limited usage examples, indicating its relative infrequency in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we arrived late

Replaces "behind time" with the direct synonym "late".

we didn't arrive on time

Directly negates arriving on time.

we were delayed in arriving

Focuses on the delay experienced rather than the state of being late.

we got there later than expected

Highlights the difference between the expected and actual arrival time.

we arrived after the scheduled time

Specifies that the arrival occurred after a previously set schedule.

our arrival was delayed

Shifts the focus to the delay of the arrival itself.

we were behind schedule upon arrival

Emphasizes being behind schedule specifically at the point of arrival.

we were running late

Emphasizes the continuous state of being late leading up to the arrival.

the traffic made us late

Attributes the lateness to an external factor, traffic.

we missed the deadline for arrival

Highlights that a deadline or time limit for arrival was not met.

FAQs

What does "we arrived behind time" mean?

It means that the arrival happened later than expected or scheduled. It implies a deviation from a planned timeline.

Is "we arrived behind time" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although alternatives like "we arrived late" are more commonly used.

What can I say instead of "we arrived behind time"?

You can use alternatives such as "we arrived late", "we were delayed", or "we missed the deadline", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we arrived behind time" or "we arrived late"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "we arrived late" is more common and generally preferred for its simplicity and directness.