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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Later this afternoon
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "later this afternoon" is correct and usable in written English
It is used to refer to any time after midday but before evening, typically between 2 and 5 pm. For example: I will call you later this afternoon to discuss the details of the project.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
25 human-written examples
He said that he would publish further information on this later this afternoon.
News & Media
Later this afternoon the share price had fallen slightly but was still up 1.7%, at 413.7p.
News & Media
later this afternoon.
News & Media
He did so later this afternoon.
News & Media
"Should be in later this afternoon".
News & Media
We expect the report later this afternoon.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
34 human-written examples
She died late last night".
News & Media
The Twitter grief started late last night.
News & Media
We got back late last night.
News & Media
Friday February 9 Last night was press night.
News & Media
Tuesdays through Sundays noon to 6 p.m. or by appointment.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "later this afternoon" to specify a timeframe for an event occurring on the same day, after the current time. It clearly indicates you are referring to a period between midday and evening.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "later this afternoon" when you actually mean any time later in the day, including the evening or night. Use "later today" if the precise timeframe isn't restricted to just the afternoon.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "later this afternoon" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action will take place. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. For instance, 'We expect the report later this afternoon'.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
68%
Science
15%
Formal & Business
10%
⚠ Less common in
Wiki
5%
Encyclopedias
1%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "later this afternoon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, particularly in news and media, to denote a time between midday and evening. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a clear and effective way to specify when an event will occur. When using this phrase, ensure you intend to refer specifically to the afternoon and not just any time later in the day. For more general references, consider using alternatives like "later today". With its neutral register, "later this afternoon" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this afternoon
Omits "later", making it less specific about the timing within the afternoon.
sometime this afternoon
Adds uncertainty, suggesting an unspecified time within the afternoon.
in the afternoon
General reference to the afternoon period, lacking the immediacy of "later this afternoon".
this coming afternoon
Adds emphasis on the afternoon that is approaching, if there were doubt.
subsequently this afternoon
Adds a sense of sequence or consequence, implying that something will happen after a preceding event.
at a later point this afternoon
Formal and emphasizes that the event will happen further into the afternoon.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "later this afternoon" in a sentence?
You can use "later this afternoon" to indicate a future event happening during the afternoon of the current day. For example, "I will send you the report later this afternoon."
What's the difference between "later this afternoon" and "later this evening"?
"Later this afternoon" refers to a time between noon and early evening, while "later this evening" refers to a time from late afternoon to night.
What can I say instead of "later this afternoon"?
You can use alternatives like "this afternoon" or "sometime this afternoon", depending on the context.
Is it correct to use "later this afternoon" in a formal context?
Yes, "later this afternoon" is perfectly acceptable in formal contexts, such as business communications or academic papers, as it clearly specifies a timeframe.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested