"late for work" vs "late to work"

Question

"late for work" vs "late to work"

Both "late for work" and "late to work" are commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable and can be used depending on personal preference. There is no significant difference in meaning between the two.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is behind schedule and will arrive at work after the expected time.

Examples:

I woke up late for work and had to rush to the office.
She is always late for work because she struggles to get out of bed in the morning.

Alternatives:

running late for work
behind schedule for work
delayed for work
tardy for work
behind time for work

This phrase is also used to indicate that someone is behind schedule and will arrive at work after the expected time.

Examples:

He apologized for being late to work due to traffic.
She was late to work because her car broke down on the way.

Alternatives:

running late to work
behind schedule to work
delayed to work
tardy to work
behind time to work

Answer 1

late for work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

late to work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"late for work" vs "late to work"

late for work

late to work

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