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.