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In the U.S., it is "critical" (extremely important) to be on time for business "functions" (events), meetings, classes and trainings, and formal social events. At most companies, bosses and "colleagues" (co-workers) consider "tardiness" (lateness) to be unprofessional behavior. In many businesses, tardiness could even cause a person to lose his or her job. In the "academic world" (school), professors and teachers will often give late students lower marks in class. There are a few acceptable excuses for tardiness, such as a previous meeting that has run late or things beyond anyone's control like heavy traffic, but it is still polite to call the host, boss, or teacher on the telephone and "inform them" (let them know) that you will be late.

"Punctuality" (being on time) is also important in other "aspects" (parts) of American life. Religious services and social club meetings almost always begin on time, as do most movies, concerts, and performances. Arrive late and you may miss the opening act or the first 10 minutes of a movie. When meeting with a friend, it is expected that you try to arrive at the agreed upon time as it is considered "insulting" (very rude) to show up late for a dinner or other planned social event. It is also important to show up on time for any appointment you make, whether it is with a doctor or a hair stylist. Failure to show up on time can result in losing your appointment.

While in most cases it is best to be punctual, there are certain "occasions" (times or events) when it is acceptable, even desirable, to be late. When "attending" (going to) casual social events like "cocktail parties" (parties in which alcohol is served) and art gallery openings, it is common to show up "fashionably late." To show up fashionably late to an event means that you arrive late so that others think you are a very busy and important person with many other things to do. A "good rule of thumb" (standard rule to follow) is to arrive at least thirty minutes late to such functions. But be careful. Arrive too late and you "run the risk" (take the chance) of missing the best parts of the party!