we were running late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were running late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you or a group of people are behind schedule or not on time for an event or appointment. Example: "We were running late for the meeting because of heavy traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

WE were running late and had overshot the exit off Route 9 when we called Mojo Grill in Wappingers Falls to let the hostess know we needed even more time to get there.

The New York Times

WE were running late the morning a friend and I drove to Ronda, a small town in Andalusia, and we had made a few wrong turns -- an inevitable occurrence in southern Spain, where one finds accurate road signs about as often as one finds a green vegetable on one's dinner plate.

The New York Times - Travel

Unfortunately, we were running late.

The New Yorker

This year we were running late getting here.

The Guardian

You Am I was due to go on at 10pm and we were running late.

The Guardian - Music

We were running late as we had to get to the oasis before nightfall.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We're running late".

The Guardian - Music

"We're running late," Sanjay said, over a coffee grinder.

The New Yorker

It's magical and infuriating, especially when we're running late for swimming lessons.

The New Yorker

"If we're running late, we call in our dinner orders from the car, and when we arrive, we're seated and served," Mr. Kaus said.

The New York Times - Travel

The day we arrive we're running late for the Australian coach's press conference, worrying as the GPS shows we still have to cross the city.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were running late", clearly state the reason for the delay to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "We were running late due to unexpected traffic."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "we were running late" without explaining why. Providing context, such as "we were running late because of a last-minute meeting", makes the statement more informative and prevents misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were running late" functions as a statement indicating that a group of people were behind schedule at a specific point in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to convey tardiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were running late" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a group of people were behind schedule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to inform about delays, offer explanations, or provide context for past events. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide a reason for the lateness to enhance clarity. While alternatives like "we were behind schedule" or "we were delayed" exist, "we were running late" remains a common and easily understood way to convey tardiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were behind schedule

Focuses on the overall schedule rather than the act of running late.

we were delayed

Implies an external factor caused the lateness.

we were not on time

A more direct and simple way of stating lateness.

we were held up

Suggests an unexpected obstacle caused the delay.

we were behind time

Similar to "behind schedule" but with a slightly different emphasis.

we were pushing it for time

Indicates being very close to the deadline.

time was not on our side

Figurative way of saying time was working against them.

we were struggling to make it on time

Emphasizes the difficulty in arriving punctually.

we were cutting it close

Similar to "pushing it for time", implying a narrow margin.

we were up against the clock

Suggests a race against time to arrive on schedule.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we were running late"?

You can use alternatives like "we were behind schedule", "we were delayed", or "we were not on time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are running late"?

Yes, "we are running late" is grammatically correct and indicates a present state of being behind schedule, while "we were running late" refers to a past situation.

What's the difference between "we were running late" and "we are going to be late"?

"We were running late" indicates a past action or state, whereas "we are going to be late" is a prediction about the future. The former implies the lateness has already occurred, while the latter suggests it is impending.

How to use "we were running late" in a sentence?

You can use "we were running late" to describe a past situation where you and others were behind schedule. For example, "We were running late for the concert, so we had to rush."