later
At a time in the future or after the present moment. It is also used to describe something that happens toward the end of a specific period.
Examples
3 of 5I am busy now, so I will call you later.
I am busy now, so I will call you later.
The detailed report will be submitted at a later date.
The detailed report will be submitted at a later date.
See you later! Have a great day.
See you later! Have a great day.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'After'. It ends with 'ter', just like 'La-ter'. They both point to a time following something else.
Quick Quiz
I can't talk right now; I will call you ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: later
Examples
I am busy now, so I will call you later.
everydayI am busy now, so I will call you later.
The detailed report will be submitted at a later date.
formalThe detailed report will be submitted at a later date.
See you later! Have a great day.
informalSee you later! Have a great day.
The researchers returned to this theory in later studies.
academicThe researchers returned to this theory in later studies.
We can discuss the budget later during the meeting.
businessWe can discuss the budget later during the meeting.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Better late than never
It is better to do something late than not at all.
Catch you later
An informal way to say goodbye.
Later life
The period when one is old.
Often Confused With
Latter refers to the second of two things mentioned, while later refers to time.
Lately means 'recently' or 'in the last few days', whereas later means in the future.
Usage Notes
Use 'later' to indicate that an action will happen after the current time or after another event has finished. It can function as both an adverb and an adjective.
Common Mistakes
Many learners use 'lately' when they mean 'later'. Remember that 'lately' is about the past (recent events), while 'later' is about the future.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'After'. It ends with 'ter', just like 'La-ter'. They both point to a time following something else.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'læt', meaning slow or weary, which evolved into the comparative form 'lætra'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'See you later' is a standard social ritual for parting, even if there is no specific plan to meet again soon.
Quick Quiz
I can't talk right now; I will call you ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: later
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
This word is used to describe something that happens at a la...
delayedDelayed describes something that happens later than the plan...
futureThe future refers to the period of time that will happen aft...
soonSoon is used to describe something that will happen in a sho...
subsequentFollowing or coming after something else in time or order. I...
More Time words
lifetime
A1A lifetime is the entire period of time that a person is alive. It can also refer to the length of time that an object, like a machine, works correctly.
Monday
A1Monday is the day of the week between Sunday and Tuesday. In many parts of the world, it is regarded as the first day of the working and school week.
Tuesday
A1Tuesday is the third day of the week, positioned between Monday and Wednesday. In most Western cultures and business environments, it is regarded as the second day of the standard work week.
Thursday
A1Thursday is the day of the week that comes after Wednesday and before Friday. It is typically considered the fourth day of the working week in most Western countries.
Saturday
A1Saturday is the day of the week that follows Friday and comes before Sunday. It is widely considered the first day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or leisure in many cultures.
Sunday
A1Sunday is the seventh day of the week, positioned between Saturday and Monday. In many parts of the world, it is considered the final day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or religious activities.
weekend
A1The weekend is the period of time at the end of the week, typically including Saturday and Sunday. It is generally a time when people do not work or attend school and use the time for rest or leisure.
yesterday
A1Yesterday refers to the day immediately before today. It is used to describe events, actions, or states that occurred in the very recent past, specifically one day ago.
day after tomorrow
A1The day that comes after the one that follows today. It refers to a point in time two days into the future from the current day.
day before yesterday
A1The day that occurred immediately before yesterday, referring to two days ago from today. It is used to pinpoint a specific time in the recent past in relation to the current day.
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