usage of "at the latest" when expressing time

Question

When using "at the latest", is this correct usage?

"I will be in around 10am or 11am at the latest".

You are only short of a comma after 10am, if that's what you really meant. — Kris, Dec 23 '13 at 07:40

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 22 '13 at 22:45

2

The phrase at the latest means no later than.

"I will be in around 10am or 11am at the latest" means I will be there by 11 am or earlier.

It is somewhat ambiguous to say 10am or 11am at the latest since 10am is obviously not the latest, 11am is. Many would understand this to mean

I am hoping for 10am, but surely by 11am

Given the tone, I wouldn't even bank on noon.

answered Dec 22 '13 at 22:45

bib

1

Your interpretation is quite different. The OP seems to have meant a comma after 10am. That should be fine. – Kris Dec 23 '13 at 07:39
@Kris I agree that the comma removes the logical ambiguity, but my view about the real time of arrival remains. – bib Dec 23 '13 at 13:07

1 Answers1