Cool MateDelayed vs I’m running late. vs 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)
Late
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adjective
Most common: Late
| Delayed | I’m running late. | Late | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪˈleɪdɪd//🇺🇸 //dɪˈleɪdɪd// | 🇬🇧 //aɪm ˈrʌnɪŋ leɪt//🇺🇸 //aɪm ˈrʌnɪŋ leɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/leɪt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/leɪt/"]/ |
| Meaning | Happening later than planned | I am not on time. | After the expected time |
| Example | The meeting was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. | I'm running late for the meeting, please start without me. | I am late for my appointment today. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | ||
| Collocations | delayed flight, delayed response, delayed payment, delayed gratification | running late to work, running late for an appointment, running late on a deadline | be, feel, seem, extremely, fairly, very, for, in, into, an hour, ten minutes, etc. late, leave it rather, very, etc. late |
| Antonyms | punctual, timely, on time | - | early, 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. | Confusing 'late' with 'lately', which means recently., Using 'late' with the wrong tense, for example, saying 'I will be late yesterday.', Confusing 'late' with 'later' when indicating time. |
| 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. | Use 'late' to describe someone who is not on time for an event or task. Avoid using it in very formal contexts, where 'tardy' might be preferred. |
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Frequently asked questions: Delayed vs I’m running late. vs Late
What's the difference between Delayed, I’m running late., and Late?
Delayed: Happening later than planned I’m running late.: I am not on time. Late: After the expected time
Which is more common: Delayed, I’m running late., and Late?
Late is the most common in everyday English.
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. Late: I am late for my appointment today.
Can I use Delayed, I’m running late., and Late interchangeably?
Not always. Delayed, I’m running late., and 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.