TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

this late vs so late

Both "this late" and "so late" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "This late" refers to the current time or a specific time in the near past, while "so late" is used to emphasize how late something is. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.
Michele A. profile picture

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 22, 2024 • 25796 views

this late

The phrase "this late" is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the current time or a specific time in the near past.

Use "this late" when referring to the current time or a specific time in the near past. It is often used to express surprise or disappointment about the lateness of the hour.

Examples:

  • I can't believe it's this late already.
  • Why did you call me this late at night?
  • Jun 12, 2014 ... I'm sorry for calling you [this] late. I was wondering why there is a "this" here. Is it correct if I say "I'm sorry for calling you so ...
  • 24 hours ago ... Recently found this late 1960s photo album at an estate sale.
  • Oct 4, 2024 ... What Neurodiversity Means to This Late-Identified Autistic Adult. By: Sam Farmer Neurodiversity Community Self-Advocate, Writer, Author, and ...
  • Aug 31, 2021 ... Help with finding or confirming “Always This Late” lyrics from *In Return*?. Love this song! It features distorted vocals I was really ...
  • Apr 17, 2024 ... this warm, this late by Seabuckthorn, released 17 April 2024 1. Serre Long 2. Rising With The Sun 3. Sage Word 4. More Time Than Not 5.
  • Dec 28, 2015 ... "At this late date" -- this phrase reflects the fact that a lot of time has been dedicated to this issue, it's not a new issue. – CowperKettle.
  • An Unspecific Dog: Artifacts of This Late Stage in History. Imprint: Dead Letter Office. by Joshua Rothes. Published: 01/18/2017. Buy this title ...
  • Why was this late yet correct answer deleted by a moderator? Ask Question. Asked 3 years, 11 months ago. Modified 3 years, 11 months ago. Viewed 2k times.
  • Aug 30, 2020 ... Still wanting something breakfasty this late Sunday morning? The Rancher definitely fits the bill. Prosciutto, ricotta, egg yolk, and arugula.
  • Mar 29, 2011 ... Can "at this late hour" be used to mean, "it's too late", even though it's not said in reference to time? ... Can you give an example of what you ...

Alternatives:

  • at this late hour
  • at this late stage
  • this late in the day
  • this late in the evening
  • this late in the night

so late

The phrase "so late" is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize how late something is.

Use "so late" to emphasize the lateness of a particular time or situation. It is often used to express surprise, frustration, or urgency.

Examples:

  • I can't believe it's so late already.
  • Why did you wait until so late to tell me?
  • May 13, 2021 ... The official audio video for Alan Jackson's “So Late So Soon” Listen to Alan Jackson's album “Where Have You Gone” OUT NOW: ...
  • Nov 4, 2023 ... #DrivingStyles #Driver61. How F1 Drivers Brake SO LATE. 1.7M views · 11 months ago #Formula1 #DrivingStyles #Driver61 ...more. Driver61. 1.29M.
  • Jul 12, 2021 ... 663 votes, 126 comments. I just want to vent here haha. It really really annoys me that you don't get Legion till so late in the game.
  • Apr 5, 2021 ... Filed under: Ohio State News · My Column: Column: Why are games on so late? I can barely keep my eyes open.
  • Jul 7, 2024 ... Why do the matches start so late? ... I cannot see how 21:00 is a prime time for any European nation. (Well maybe Portugal) Is it for Americans?
  • 'Having to learn this so late in our lives…' Swedish elderly patients' beliefs, experiences, attitudes and expectations of e-health in primary health care.
  • Aug 2, 2023 ... ago. Even-Investigator-25. ADMIN MOD. Join. Options. Report. Why did mark get his powers so late. QUESTION. I'm late to his but why. Upvote 138
  • 6 days ago ... Why are this year's autumn colours so late? · BBC Bill Reynolds standing smiling wearing a dark blue fleece and striped scarf. · Getty Images A ...
  • Jul 14, 2024 ... Why is the final on so late? Discussion. Why is the Euro Final ... so late? 9 upvotes · 41 comments. r/euro2024 icon. r/euro2024 · Someone ...
  • May 23, 2014 ... If Romans eat dinner so late in the evening, then what time do most go to bed? What influences and differences are there? For example, of ...

Alternatives:

  • very late
  • extremely late
  • incredibly late
  • unusually late
  • exceptionally late

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!