Cool MateDelayed vs I’m running late.
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Delayed
Top 2,000 (common)
I’m running late.
Top 2,000 (common)
| Delayed | I’m running late. | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪˈleɪdɪd//🇺🇸 //dɪˈleɪdɪd// | 🇬🇧 //aɪm ˈrʌnɪŋ leɪt//🇺🇸 //aɪm ˈrʌnɪŋ leɪt// |
| Meaning | Happening later than planned | I am not on time. |
| Example | The meeting was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. | I'm running late for the meeting, please start without me. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | delayed flight, delayed response, delayed payment, delayed gratification | running late to work, running late for an appointment, running late on a deadline |
| Antonyms | punctual, timely, on time | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'delayed' with 'cancelled', Using 'delayed' with the wrong subject, e.g., 'the flight delayed' instead of 'the flight is delayed', Overusing 'delayed' instead of synonyms like 'postponed' | Confusing with 'running' as in exercising., Using 'run' instead of 'running' in this context., Not using the phrase when it's actually appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, from travel to projects. Avoid using in very informal contexts, like casual conversations. | Use this phrase to inform someone you will arrive later than planned. It's polite and widely understood. |
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Frequently asked questions: Delayed vs I’m running late.
What's the difference between Delayed and I’m running late.?
Delayed: Happening later than planned I’m running late.: I am not on time.
Can you show an example of each?
Delayed: The meeting was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. I’m running late.: I'm running late for the meeting, please start without me.
Can I use Delayed and I’m running late. interchangeably?
Not always. Delayed and I’m running late. are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.