Late vs. Lately: What's the Difference?
The words late and lately are closely related but serve different functions in a sentence. Late is most often used as an adjective or adverb, describing something occurring after the expected time. In contrast, lately is an adverb that refers to recent times, indicating that something has happened in the near past. Distinguishing between these terms is key to precise communication.
How do you use the word late in a sentence?
The term late is often used to describe someone or something that is not on time or an occurrence happening after the scheduled or usual time. It can function as both an adjective describing a noun (a late arrival) and an adverb modifying a verb (arriving late). Late can also denote the recent passing of someone (her late husband).
Examples of late in a sentence
- She apologized for arriving late to the meeting.
- The train was late due to unforeseen technical issues.
- He often reminisces about his late grandmother's stories.
How do you use the word lately in a sentence?
Lately is an adverb that describes actions or events that have occurred in the recent past. It is used to give a sense of recency to the discussed subject. This term is not concerned with punctuality but rather with demarcating a general timeframe close to the present.
Examples of lately in a sentence
- Have you seen any good movies lately?
- She's been feeling much better lately.
- Lately, he's taken up jogging as part of his morning routine.
Late and lately definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Late definition:
Late is commonly defined as occurring, existing, or done after the usual or expected time, or towards the end of a period or after the usual or expected time. It is also used to refer to someone who has passed away.
Late parts of speech:
Late pronunciation:
Late is pronounced as /leɪt/.
Lately definition:
Lately means not long ago, or recently. It suggests an action or event occurring close to the present time in a relative sense.
Lately parts of speech:
Lately pronunciation:
Lately is pronounced as /ˈleɪtli/.
Late is commonly defined as occurring, existing, or done after the usual or expected time, or towards the end of a period or after the usual or expected time. It is also used to refer to someone who has passed away.
Late parts of speech:
- As an adjective: The late train caused delays in the schedule.
- As an adverb: She arrived late and missed the opening speech.
Late pronunciation:
Late is pronounced as /leɪt/.
Lately definition:
Lately means not long ago, or recently. It suggests an action or event occurring close to the present time in a relative sense.
Lately parts of speech:
- As an adverb: She has been arriving on time more consistently lately.
- There is no secondary part of speech for lately as it is used almost exclusively as an adverb.
Lately pronunciation:
Lately is pronounced as /ˈleɪtli/.
Late vs. lately in a nutshell
Late and lately differ in both usage and meaning. Late indicates being after the expected or usual time, or references the end of a period, and can also relate to someone who has died. Lately, on the other hand, is always an adverb that describes something happening recently or in the near past. Understanding these differences ensures clear and precise communication, emphasizing the importance of time in relation to actions and events.
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