late / going to be late

Just making a circle:
http://www.able2know.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=2931522#2931522

Re: late / going to be late


Yes, you are correct, more or less. #2 means I will definitely be late for work, (unless something unexpected happens)

You are late for work if your work start time has passed and you are not there yet. You are going to be late for work if that time has not yet passed but you know you won't get there in time.

I have to be at work at 9:00 AM. At 8.30 I arrive at the station. I hear an announcement that trains may be delayed. I may (or might) be late for work. The train arrives and I get in. The train departs. At 8:45, the driver announces that arrival at my destination will be in 20 minutes. I am going to be late for work. At 9:01, the train is still stuck. I am now late for work.

Just making another circle.

http://www.able2know.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=106575