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I was late to work vs I was late for work

Both phrases are correct. However, they're used in slightly different contexts. 'I was late to work' implies you arrived at work after the expected time, while 'I was late for work' suggests you were delayed in leaving for work. The choice between 'to' and 'for' depends on if you're referring to the arrival time or the departure time.
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Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 12, 2024 • 19623 views

I was late to work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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

Examples:

  • I was late to work this morning because of traffic.
  • She was late to work due to oversleeping.
  • They were late to work because of a subway delay.
  • Mar 9, 2015 ... Why I Was Late To Work This Morning… My typical morning works like this – Wake up around 6am, get the big kids ready for school, and then ...
  • Feb 3, 2015 ... I was late to work today. Yet, in my case it was for good reason. I was driving on the expressway to work today and my car was not driving like ...
  • Feb 17, 2015 ... "Sorry I was late to work, my Apple Car updated overnight and now the left front wheel doesn't work and U2 are in the back seat.".
  • Mar 5, 2015 ... And just that fast, whatever pressures I thought I had in front of me that day were gone. I was very thankful I was late to work that day.

Alternatives:

  • I arrived late at work.
  • I got to work late.
  • I was tardy for work.

I was late for work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that you were delayed in leaving for work.

Examples:

  • I missed the bus, so I was late for work.
  • She had to drop her kids off at school, so she was late for work.
  • He got caught in a meeting, so he was late for work.
  • Mar 11, 2014 ... I Was Late For Work With No Excuse And Was Fired And Now I Want To Sue. Can getting fired for lateness ever be illegal? Donna Ballman Mar ...
  • Jan 9, 2015 ... The reason I was late for work today. Sarcastic Prick. SubscribeSubscribed Unsubscribe 25. Subscription preferences. Loading... Loading.
  • And that's why I was late for work. (source) · 3 years ago. 896 points. 292,110 views. Add tag. add a custom tag. Add. Post Options. report post. view album page.
  • Why I Was Late For Work Today: 22 (Photoshopped) Excuses. By Cracked Readers June 17, 2009 880,352 Views. Facebook · Twitter; Add to Favorites.

Alternatives:

  • I was delayed getting to work.
  • I was behind schedule for work.
  • I was running late for work.

Related Comparisons

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