"I arrived home late." vs "I arrived late at home."

Question

"I arrived home late." vs "I arrived late at home."

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I arrived late at home' implies that the person arrived at home later than expected, while 'I arrived home late' suggests that the person arrived at home at a late hour. The choice between the two depends on the specific emphasis the speaker wants to convey.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to convey that the person arrived at home at a late time of day or night.

Examples:

I arrived home late and everyone was already asleep.
She always arrives home late after work.
He arrived home late after the concert ended.

Alternatives:

I arrived late at home.
I got home late.
I reached home late.
I came home late.
I got back home late.

This phrase is used to indicate that the person arrived at home later than planned or later than usual.

Examples:

I arrived late at home and missed dinner with my family.
She arrived late at home after the party had ended.
He always arrives late at home because of his long commute.

Alternatives:

I arrived home late.
I got home late.
I reached home late.
I came home late.
I got back home late.

Answer 1

I arrived home late.

This phrase is correct and more commonly used. It indicates arriving at home at a late hour.

Answer 2

I arrived late at home.

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday usage. It implies arriving at home later than expected.

"I arrived home late." vs "I arrived late at home."

I arrived home late.

I arrived late at home.

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