can you explain why you were late vs can you explain why you arelate

Both phrases are similar, but "can you explain why you were late" is the correct one. The use of "were late" indicates that the lateness already happened in the past. On the other hand, "why you are late" would be correct if the lateness is happening at the moment of speaking.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 153 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can you explain why you were late"

This phrase is used to ask someone to provide an explanation for being late in the past.

Show examples from the web [+]

can you explain why you were late
Then can you explain why the murder weapon was found in your pool house?
Pilfrey, can you explain why you're dragging my wife into the surgery?
Chancellor Drew, can you explain why this is in your possession?
Well, can you explain why you had no bruises on your hands?
Sir, can you explain why your kid is dressed like that?
Okay, can you explain why you can't do it?
If it has not, can you explain why no such request has been filed by Greece?
Mr Pieper, can you explain why it is a dream?
So, if you're not impulsive, can you explain why you overhauled the Department of Housing and Urban Development within weeks of your appointment as HUD Secretary?
Then can you explain why a reporter asked my son in front of his school if I was his real father?
Interesting. Then can you explain why a witness said that they saw you speeding away from Wesley's dojo this morning?
Now can you explain why you did it?
Then can you explain why you've been spending all your energy at rail's end instead of at the bridge site?
So can you explain why there's a room charged that night at the Empire Hotel on your credit card?
Then can you explain why a witness said that they saw you speeding away from Wesley's dojo this morning?
So, Reverend, can you explain why line 109 is double of what it was last year?
Ms. McDowell, can you explain why you had your diamond necklace appraised six months ago?
Please can you explain why the constituent is now being asked to pay duty because he has not owned the car for more than six months?
However, can you explain why there has been so much protest here, why members from all kinds of groups are saying that this is wrong?
Mr President, can you explain why a vote on the Brok amendment was permitted in committee and carried, and yet ruled out of order in plenary?

This phrase is not correct in this context. It implies that the lateness is happening at the moment of speaking, which is not the intended meaning.

"can you explain why you arelate"

This phrase would be correct if you want to ask someone to explain their lateness at the present moment.

Show examples from the web [+]

can you explain why you arelate
Then can you explain why the murder weapon was found in your pool house?
Pilfrey, can you explain why you're dragging my wife into the surgery?
Chancellor Drew, can you explain why this is in your possession?
Well, can you explain why you had no bruises on your hands?
Sir, can you explain why your kid is dressed like that?
Okay, can you explain why you can't do it?
If it has not, can you explain why no such request has been filed by Greece?
Mr Pieper, can you explain why it is a dream?
So, if you're not impulsive, can you explain why you overhauled the Department of Housing and Urban Development within weeks of your appointment as HUD Secretary?
Then can you explain why a reporter asked my son in front of his school if I was his real father?
Interesting. Then can you explain why a witness said that they saw you speeding away from Wesley's dojo this morning?
Now can you explain why you did it?
Then can you explain why you've been spending all your energy at rail's end instead of at the bridge site?
So can you explain why there's a room charged that night at the Empire Hotel on your credit card?
Then can you explain why a witness said that they saw you speeding away from Wesley's dojo this morning?
So, Reverend, can you explain why line 109 is double of what it was last year?
Ms. McDowell, can you explain why you had your diamond necklace appraised six months ago?
Please can you explain why the constituent is now being asked to pay duty because he has not owned the car for more than six months?
However, can you explain why there has been so much protest here, why members from all kinds of groups are saying that this is wrong?
Mr President, can you explain why a vote on the Brok amendment was permitted in committee and carried, and yet ruled out of order in plenary?

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can you explain why you were late vs can you explain why you arelate