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.daily life
- If I run late for class, I always send my teacher a quick message to let them know.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: run late (for something)
WrongI'm running late for ten minutes.
RightI'm running ten minutes late.
Put the amount before 'late': 'running ten minutes late'.
Patternrun late (for something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Running late' is the natural everyday phrase; 'behind my anticipated schedule' is stiff.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
run late + degreea bit lateten minutes laterunning latelate again
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'be late on purpose' or 'stay up late.'