Late vs. Lately

Attribute	Late	Lately
Definition	After the expected, proper, or usual time	In the recent past; not long ago
Usage	Typically used to describe something that is delayed or overdue	Typically used to describe something that has happened recently
Adverb	Can be used as an adverb	Can be used as an adverb
Frequency	Can be used in various contexts	Primarily used to refer to recent events

Definition and Usage

Both "late" and "lately" are adverbs that are used to describe time, but they have different meanings and usage. "Late" is used to indicate that something is done after the expected, scheduled, or usual time. For example, "He arrived late to the meeting." On the other hand, "lately" is used to indicate that something has happened recently or in the near past. For example, "She has been feeling tired lately."

Form and Structure

The word "late" is a single-word adverb that stands alone in a sentence. It does not require any additional words to convey its meaning. For example, "He left late." On the contrary, "lately" is a multi-word adverb that is formed by combining the word "late" with the suffix "-ly." It is used in conjunction with a verb to indicate the timing of an action. For example, "She has been working hard lately."

Frequency and Duration

One key difference between "late" and "lately" is their frequency and duration of use. "Late" is typically used to describe a one-time occurrence or a specific instance of tardiness. For example, "He missed the bus and arrived late to school." In contrast, "lately" is used to describe a recurring or ongoing action that has been happening recently. For example, "She has been feeling stressed lately."

Context and Emphasis

Another difference between "late" and "lately" is the context in which they are used and the emphasis they convey. "Late" is often used in formal or professional settings to indicate punctuality or tardiness. For example, "The train is running late." On the other hand, "lately" is used in informal or casual conversations to indicate recent events or changes. For example, "I've been watching a lot of movies lately."

Comparison in Sentences

When comparing the two adverbs in sentences, it is important to consider the specific context and meaning that is being conveyed. For example, "He arrived late to the party" indicates that he was tardy in his arrival. In contrast, "She has been feeling tired lately" indicates that she has been experiencing fatigue recently. By understanding the nuances of "late" and "lately," one can effectively communicate the timing and frequency of events in their writing and speech.