英语单词 “late” 是一个在日常交流中出现频率较高的词语，它既可以作形容词，也可以作副词使用。怎样用 “late” 表示 “迟到”？怎样用它描述火车 “晚点了”？由 “late” 组成的常见搭配有哪些？它们分别应该怎么用？本期节目介绍单词 “late” 的六个比较典型的用法。

Hi, everyone! Late is a very useful word. Find out why on this English In A Minute.

The most common meaning of late is 'after the correct time'. It can go before a noun as an adjective.

I had a late breakfast, so I took the late train.

Or it can modify a verb as an adverb.

I arrived late to class because the train came late.

And don't forget, you can be late for something.

I'm going to be late for my own wedding!

Late can also mean 'near the end of a period of time'.

We didn't go to bed until late at night.

We often talk about periods in history this way.

The internet was invented in the late 20th century.

You can also combine late with 'of' to mean 'recently'.

I've been using the internet a lot of late.

Finally, late can be used to refer to a person who has died, usually recently.

Look at the time! I've got to go! I'm late! Not dead!

1. “Late” 最常见的用法是作形容词使用，意思是 “晚的，迟的”，可用于名词前。

I had a late breakfast, so I took the late train.

2. “Late” 可作副词使用，意思是 “晚了，迟了，迟到地”，用来修饰动词。

I arrived late to class because the train came late.

3. 搭配 “be late for” 用来表达 “做某事晚了，迟到了”。

I'm going to be late for my own wedding!

He is late for the meeting.

4. “Late” 作形容词时还可以表达 “一段时间内接近末尾的”，比如 “时间晚的” 或 “历史时期末期的”。

We didn't go to bed until late at night.

The internet was invented in the late 20th century.

5. 搭配 “of late” 可用来表达 “最近，近来”，相当于 “recently”。

I've been using the internet a lot of late.

6. “Late” 作形容词时还可以表示某人 “（尤其是最近）已故的，去世了的”。

People sent flowers to pay tribute to the late scientist.