But it was too late.

Meaning: This sentence means that the fish didn't make it back to the water in time.

Choice of Words: The word late means after the usual or expected time. But is used to connect two ideas that are different or opposite. Too means more than enough or necessary.

Alternative Expressions

But it was too tardy.

Meaning: This means that something happened after the right or expected time. Tardy is another word for late. It's like saying, The food was ready, but we arrived home too late to eat it.

Choice of Words: But is a conjunction that indicates a contrast or change in the story. It refers to the action or event that happened before. Was is a verb that describes a past state or condition. Too is an adverb that means more than enough or more than necessary. Tardy is an adjective that means late or delayed. When you put them together, "But it was too tardy" means that something happened after the desired or expected time.

However, the opportune moment had elapsed.

Meaning: This means that the right or expected time has passed. Elapsed is a fancy word for passed. It's like saying, The food was ready, but we arrived home too late to eat it.

Choice of Words: However is a conjunction that indicates a contrast or change in the story. The is an article that refers to a specific noun. Opportune is an adjective that means favorable or suitable for a particular purpose or occasion. Moment is a noun that refers to a particular point in time. Had is a verb that describes a past action or state. Elapsed is a verb that means to pass or slip away. When you put them together, "However, the opportune moment had elapsed" means that a favorable time has passed.

Related Expressions