“Better late than never” is a phrase people often say when they’re late to an event. By using this statement, they mean that it’s better to show up late than not show up at all.
When someone shows up late to your program and makes this statement, it can be difficult to know how to respond.
Especially, if you’re not happy about them being late, coming up with a polite or suitable response may seem like rocket science.
But, you don’t have to worry. This article takes care of the best ways to respond to “Better late than never.”
From polite to sarcastic responses, you’ll find enough examples to guide you on how to respond to this phrase in any situation.
20 Best Ways to Respond to “Better Late Than Never
There are countless ways to respond to “Better late than never.”
Depending on the person speaking, you can give polite responses or sarcastic replies.
For instance, “Of course, you’re not needed until the last hour anyway” and “That’s okay, we didn’t miss your absence” can work for friends who are fond of being late to events.
On the other hand, “No worries. What matters is that you are here” and “I’m glad you still found your way here” are suitable for a formal conversation when you want to empathize with the speaker.
Below are 20 best ways to reply to “Better late than never”:
- Well, you should be grateful you’re worth the wait
- I agree, it’s more noticeable to appear dramatically late
- Of course, life is too short to always be in a hurry
- I love that you have excuses for all your shortcomings
- Of course, you’re not needed until the last hour anyway
- Yeah, after all, you’re not contributing anything to the event
- That’s okay, we didn’t miss your absence
- Exactly, what’s the need to be on time when there’s no prize for it or punishment for coming late
- Of course, I know you love getting all the attention all the time
- I’m not surprised, it’s your style
- I know you love doing things differently, so we gave you a different time from others
- Thank you for remembering to show your face
- Thank you for coming
- What matters is that you remember to come
- It’s alright, I understand your tight schedule
- I know, right? Being on time is a chore these day
- It’s okay. I’m glad you showed up
- That’s fine, you still made it in time to meet the final session
- No worries. What matters is that you are here
- I’m glad you still found your way here
Well, you should be grateful you’re worth the wait
“Well, you should be grateful you’re worth the wait” is the top on our list of best responses to “Better late than never.”
This response tells the speaker that you’re not offended or taking action against their late coming. It’s a suitable response for someone you care about, as it indicates how special they are to you.
While you can give this response to let your loved ones know that you’re not offended by their actions, you can also use it to admonish them.
For example:
- Well, you should be grateful you’re worth the wait, but next time, let me know that you’ll be coming late.
- Well, you should be grateful you’re worth the wait. But you need to do better next time.
I agree, it’s more noticeable to appear dramatically late
If you want to give a sarcastic response, “I agree, it’s more noticeable to appear dramatically late” is a good option.
This response sounds like you agree with their notion that it’s better to come late than not come at all. However, it mocks them by implying that they came late to get people to notice them.
Of course, life is too short to always be in a hurry
“Of course, life is too short to always be in a hurry” is another good response when someone says it’s better late than never, to show that you agree with their statement.
However, it’s a sarcastic reply that suggests that they came late on purpose.
And trust me, the speaker won’t miss the sarcasm in this reply.
I love that you have excuses for all your shortcomings
“I love that you have excuses for all your shortcomings” is a hilarious reply that makes fun of someone who comes late and says, “Better late than never.”
This reply roasts them by pointing out that they never take responsibility for any of their wrongs.
Moreover, saying that you love how they always have excuses should hit hard.
Of course, you’re not needed until the last hour anyway
“Of course, you’re not needed until the last hour anyway” is the perfect response to give if you want to roast someone who comes late to an event.
This statement is a clever way to respond to “Better late than never.” It indicates that you’re not bothered that they came late since they wouldn’t have been useful if they had come earlier.
It’s the perfect reply to show that you agree with them and, at the same time, insult them.
Yeah, after all, you’re not contributing anything to the event
“Yeah, after all, you’re not contributing anything to the event” is another funny reply that roasts someone who says, “Better late than never.”
This statement implies that they’re not useful for the occasion, indicating that you’re not bothered whether they come late or not.
It’ll work well for someone who did not offer an apology for coming late.
That’s okay, we didn’t miss your absence
“That’s okay, we didn’t miss your absence” is another way to roast someone who came late to an event.
When they say, “Better late than never,” or try to come up with an apology for coming late, this response will hit hard.
It tells them that you accept their apology or their reasons for their late arrival while letting them know that they’re not important. This reply will certainly hit hard.
Exactly, what’s the need to be on time when there’s no prize for it or punishment for coming late
Here’s another funny and sarcastic response for someone who says “Better late than never.”
When someone comes late to an event and tries to come up with an excuse, this statement shows you agree with their excuse.
However, they won’t miss the sarcasm, encouraging them to continue with their bad habit.
Of course, I know you love getting all the attention all the time
“Of course, I know you love getting all the attention all the time” is another funny way to agree with someone who says “Better late than never.”
This reply shows that you agree with their notion of showing up late rather than not showing up at all. However, it reminds them that they do that because they want the attention.
It’s the perfect sarcastic reply that’ll hit hard. Conversely, an attention seeker will certainly agree with you.
I’m not surprised, it’s your style
“I’m not surprised; it’s your style” is another interesting way to reply to someone who says, “Better late than never.”
This one indicates that you’re not surprised that they came late. Additionally, you can use it to reiterate that they’re fond of coming up with excuses for their actions.
For instance, you can say something like:
- I’m not surprised, it’s your style. You’re never early for anything even when you set the time yourself.
- I’m not surprised, it’s your style. You never accept that you do bad.
I know you love doing things differently, so we gave you a different time from others
“I know you love doing things differently, so we gave you a different time from others” is the perfect response to burst someone’s bubble.
When someone says “Better late than never,” this response should take the satisfaction off their face. It’s just like telling an expectant child that their lovely candy is finished.
This reply tells the speaker that they did not come as late as they thought and planned. It’ll work well for someone who’s a chronic latecomer and who had planned to be late for the present occasion.
Thank you for remembering to show your face
“Thank you for remembering to show your face” is another sarcastic response to provide someone who says “Better late than never.”
This one appreciates them for remembering to come to your event. It implies that you’re aware that they don’t take the event very seriously. They won’t miss the sarcasm.
Thank you for coming
“Thank you for coming” is a response you can use in different ways. When someone says “Better late than never,” this reply could mean you’re appreciating them for at least making an effort to come.
It’ll work for someone you know is very busy but because they respect you, they made an effort to be around.
On the other hand, you could give this response with sarcasm. For example, you could say something like, “Thank you for coming one minute to closing time, it means a lot to me.”
What matters is that you remember to come
“What matters is that you remember to come” is another reply you can use in different ways.
You can give this reply to show your appreciation for someone for showing up to your event although late. You can use it for your forgetful friend or a chronic latecomer to appreciate their little effort.
On the other hand, you can use this reply to tease your friend who’s always coming late or hardly shows up.
You could say something like, “What matters is that you remembered to come. I was already planning to send a squad to come get you from your bed.”
It’s alright, I understand your tight schedule
“It’s alright, I understand your tight schedule” is a beautiful reply that shows your understanding of someone who showed up late to your event.
It’s a thoughtful response that considers all they need to do and doesn’t hold their lateness against them. Also, it’s appropriate for a friend who made sacrifices to attend your event, letting them know you’re grateful.
I know, right? Being on time is a chore these day
“I know, right? Being on time is a chore this day” is another effortless way to tease someone who says, “Better late than never.”
This one sounds like you agree with them. However, it makes fun of them for always coming late to events, especially if you’re not like them that come late.
Conversely, as a chronic latecomer yourself, you can give this reply to add your voice to someone who says, “Better late than never.”
It’s okay. I’m glad you showed up
“It’s okay. I’m glad you showed up” is another beautiful response that appreciates someone for their efforts.
When someone says “Better late than never,” rather than take offense, you can give this response if you know that they did their best to come with their tight schedule.
It shows that you’re more concerned about their intention rather than their actions and that you care more about their presence.
That’s fine, you still made it in time to meet the final session
“That’s fine, you still made it in time to meet the final session” is another reply that assures someone that you did not take offense for their late arrival.
This reply also serves to assure them that they are not very late or that they can still gain something. You should use it for someone you know has a lot to do.
No worries. What matters is that you are here
“No worries. What matters is that you are here” tells the speaker that you’re more concerned about their presence.
It’s the perfect reply to assure them that you’re not offended by their lateness. This response should make them feel special.
I’m glad you still found your way here
“I’m glad you still found your way here” is great to appreciate someone attending your event, although late.
If they say “Better late than never,” this response shows you’re happy they could still make it.
Final Verdict
Your response to “Better late than never” should depend on the person speaking. You can choose to taunt, admonish, or show understanding when someone makes this remark following their lateness.
This article has provided you with enough examples to guide what you can say in any context.
