Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[dido4]

1. Mandy was late to school yesterday.
2. Mandy was late for school yesterday.

Q: 1. Which one is correct, be late for or be late to?
2. Any difference between these two?

Thank you.

[Oll Korrect]

Interesting question.

Both are correct, because "school" can refer to a building or an activity: "my school is red" is about a building, while "How was school?" is about the activity of being at school.

"late to school" is like saying "late to the restaurant."
"late for school" is like saying "late for dinner."

I prefer the sound of "late for school."