run late
/rʌn leɪt/
Meaning
This expression means to be behind schedule or arriving later than planned. It is a polite and very common way to warn someone that you are delayed, whether for work, a meeting, or a social event.
Examples
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I'm running late, so please start the meeting without me.
I'm running late, so please start the meeting without me.
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Sorry, I'm running about ten minutes late because of traffic.
Sorry, I'm running about ten minutes late because of traffic.
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The trains are running late today due to the bad weather.
The trains are running late today due to the bad weather.
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We need to hurry up because we are running late for our flight.
We need to hurry up because we are running late for our flight.
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He is always running late, so I told him to arrive thirty minutes early.
He is always running late, so I told him to arrive thirty minutes early.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I am late running today.
✓ I am running late today.
The phrase is a set verbal idiom. 'Running' must always come before 'late'.
-
✗ I have a late run.
✓ I'm running late.
'Run late' is the correct verb phrase; 'have a late run' is not an English expression used to mean you are delayed.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
I'm so sorry, I'm ___ because the bus never showed up.
💡 delayed
Show answer
running late
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If you are ___, please send me a quick text message.
💡 behind schedule
Show answer
running late