B2adverb2K

Lately

UK /["/ˈleɪtli/"]/US /["/ˈleɪtli/"]/

Definition

recently; in the recent past

In simple words: Recently or in the recent past.

Examples

  • Have you seen her lately?
  • It's only lately that he's been well enough to go out.
  • I haven't been sleeping well just lately.
  • She had lately returned from India.

Usage notes

Use 'lately' to refer to something that has happened recently. It is more common in spoken English than in formal writing. Avoid using 'lately' with specific dates or time frames.

Grammar pattern

lately + verb (present perfect)

Memory hint

Sounds like 'late-ly' — think of being late to something that happened recently.

Collocations

  • have been feeling lately
  • seen changes lately
  • worked hard lately

Synonyms

  • recently
  • latterly
  • of late

Antonyms

  • formerly
  • previously
  • earlier
  • in the past

Common mistakes

  • Using 'lately' with past simple tense instead of present perfect.
  • Confusing 'lately' with 'recently' (though they are similar, they are used in different contexts).
  • Using 'lately' to refer to a specific date.