ENGLISH
REFERENCE

of late

adv. time
B2 Upper Intermediate
Definition

adv. used to describe things that have happened recently or in the last few weeks.

adv. In or during the recent past. Typically occurs at the beginning or end of a clause.


SIMPLE

I have been very busy of late.

CONTEXTUAL

There have been several updates to the software of late, making the system much faster.

COMPLEX

The CEO's public statements have, of late, become increasingly cautious as the economic outlook for the next fiscal year remains uncertain.

Usage

Commonly used with the present perfect tense to bridge the past and the present.

Pitfall

I met him of lateI have seen him of lateThis phrase describes a period leading up to now rather than a single point in time, so it usually pairs with the present perfect, not the simple past.

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