Have you ever wondered how writers write so beautifully? They are also using common English terms, but somehow their writings seem so eloquent and sophisticated.
The secret lies in their vast vocabulary and idiom usage. With just a few beautiful idiomatic phrases, you too can tweak up your English and sound more elegant.
Growing up, I admired the writings of Agatha Christie. Apart from the thrilling plotline, I was engrossed in her use of uncommon words and idioms in her stories.
Out of the many, “Better Late Than Never” is a common idiom that is often used in a positive sense.
It is a way of appreciating something good that happened, instead of it never happening.
So, if you are wondering how to use this idiom to sound like the poets and writers, I have got the perfect guide for you.
From understanding the meaning to how you can use it in a sentence, I have covered everything here.
Also, you will find some bonus tips to correctly use them and sound like the grandchild of Shakespeare.
Stay tuned!L
What Is The Meaning Of “Better Late Than Never”?
Before jumping right into understanding the meaning of the phrase “Better Late Than Never”, you need to have a clear idea about English idioms.
What Is An English Idiom?
An English idiom refers to a group of words or a phrase that has a different meaning compared to the meanings of the individual words.
Basically, it is a phrase that means more than its literal sense. So, you cannot understand its meaning just by knowing the literal meanings of the individual words.
Although idioms originated as culturally specific phrases that only English users could use, now everyone can use them.
By knowing the correct meaning and usage, you can also use them in your sentences. So, just like Agatha Christie, you too can speak in her eloquent language.
Definition Of “Better Late Than Never”
By definition, the phrase “Better Late Than Never” means something good happened that might have never happened. It is a positive way of seeing something.
So, you can use this phrase to appreciate something good that happened. It can be an encouragement to the person who did something good.
Moreover, the phrase has another connotation. It also refers to something good that happened, which could have been better if it had happened earlier.
Where Can You Apply The Idiom?
The idiom is usually used when you want to say that it is better that something great happened for someone or something before it was too late to happen.
Additionally, you can take its help during a conversation when you want to appreciate something that happened, which was not happening for some reason.
Moreover, you can also use this idiom to encourage someone for taking the first step to making something good happen. So, it can be a little pat on their back for their courage.
How To Use “Better Late Than Never”?
Using idioms in your sentences can be quite tricky. Given that they have different meanings compared to common words, you should use them with discretion.
Usage Guide Of The Idiom
Here is a little guide on how to use the phrase “Better Late Than Never” in your daily conversation to add flair to your English.
- Firstly, you can use the idiom when someone has finally done something good that they were meaning to do for a long time.
Example: She handed in her paper to the University, but it’s better late than never.
- You can also use this idiom when someone is already late for doing something, but somehow they do it.
Example: The boy delivered the outfit after a day, but it’s better late than never, as I will wear it for the next round.
- Finally, this idiom can be used when something happens later than its expected time of happening.
Example: They got the report today, when it was supposed to arrive yesterday, but it’s better late than never.
Synonyms Or Alternatives
Instead of the idiom, you can also use these synonyms as its alternatives. They have similar meanings, so it won’t affect the sense of your expression.
- It’s high time: It means that it is the right time for something to happen.
- Not a moment too soon: This is a roundabout way of saying it is the right time for something good to happen.
Examples Of The Idiom In Sentences
Now that the meaning of the phrase “better late than never” is clear, here are some examples of its usage in sentences.
- Jerry finally handed in his homework. Well, better late than never.
- I am so sorry for being late, but better late than never, right?
- Even though you started the job after 2 years, it’s better late than never.
- The medical officer was supposed to come yesterday, but he came today. Well, at least it’s better late than never.
- We finally got to meet each other after months of planning. It’s better late than never, right?
- She finally got out of the toxic household— better late than never.
- We arrived so late to our destination, but better late than never, as we got to see the most beautiful sunset.
- He handed in the money at the end of the day, but it’s better late than never.
- I am so happy you finally started your guitar practice. It’s better late than never.
- Although I arrived when the dessert was being served, it was better late than never.
Tips To Use The Idiom In Its Correct Sense
With everything in place, here are some tips to use the phrase “better late than never” in its correct sense.
Firstly, use the idiom in a positive sense when something good happens to encourage the person. This way, you can use it in the correct format.
Secondly, you can also use it in a negative sense when you want to highlight that it would have been better if the thing had happened earlier.
Finally, using it in a sarcastic way is also possible. If you want to be sarcastic about your friend coming late to the get-together, you can absolutely use this idiom.
Well, there you go. Now you have the complete guide on how to correctly use the phrase “better late than never”. So, go ahead and use it to sound more eloquent and sophisticated!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- Every Dog Has Its Day: How To Correctly Use The Idiom?
- Semi-Weekly Vs Bi-Weekly: Which One To Use In Your Sentences?
- A Bird In Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush: How To Correctly Use English Proverbs?
