"I was late for work" vs "i was late at work"

Question

"I was late for work" vs "i was late at work"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. 'I was late for work' means that you arrived at work after the expected time. 'I was late at work' means that you were delayed while already at work. The choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to being late to arrive at work or being delayed while already there.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that you arrived at work after the expected time.

Examples:

I was late for work this morning because of traffic.
She was late for work again, and her boss was not happy.
He always leaves early to make sure he's never late for work.

Alternatives:

I arrived late for work
I got to work late
I was delayed getting to work

This phrase is used to indicate that you were delayed while already at work.

Examples:

I was late at work because the meeting ran longer than expected.
She was late at work due to a transportation issue.
He was late at work because of a computer problem.

Alternatives:

I was delayed at work
I arrived late to work
I got to work late

Answer 1

I was late for work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

i was late at work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I was late for work" vs "i was late at work"

I was late for work

i was late at work

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