What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
late
Example
I'm sorry I'm late for our meeting. [late: adjective]
Example
She always runs late in the morning and is often tardy for work. [late: adverb]
Example
The party went on until late into the night. [late: preposition]
far
Example
The store is too far to walk, so we'll have to drive. [far: adverb]
Example
He moved to a far-off land to start a new life. [far: adjective]
Example
That happened a long time ago, far before I was born. [far: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Far is more commonly used than late in everyday language. Far is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while late is more specific and often used in time-sensitive situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between late and far?
Both late and far are versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.