"I was late for work" vs "I was late to work"

Question

"I was late for work" vs "I was late to work"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I was late to work' implies that you arrived at work after the expected time, while 'I was late for work' suggests that you were delayed in leaving for work. The choice between 'to' and 'for' depends on whether you are referring to the arrival time or the departure time.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

I was late for work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

I was late to work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I was late for work" vs "I was late to work"

I was late for work

I was late to work

Related Comparisons