Grammar fix
run late
be delayed
To be behind schedule or not arrive or finish at the expected time.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Sorry, I'm running late because the bus was delayed.
If I run late for class, I always send my teacher a quick message to let them know.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I'm running late for ten minutes.
Say: I'm running ten minutes late.
Put the amount before 'late': 'running ten minutes late'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Running late' is the natural everyday phrase; 'behind my anticipated schedule' is stiff.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
run late + degree
- a bit late
- ten minutes late
- running late
- late again