How can you express a habitual characteristic of being late in someone's behavior?

The phrase "He tends to be late" effectively captures the habitual characteristic of being late in someone's behavior. It implies that being late is a recurring pattern rather than an isolated incident. This expression conveys a general tendency, suggesting that lateness is a consistent aspect of this person’s behavior.

The other phrases do not convey the same meaning. "He is late" indicates a specific instance rather than a habitual behavior. "He could be late" implies a possibility or potentiality but does not affirm any regularity or pattern in being late. "He often arrives late," while suggesting frequency, describes the action of arriving late rather than establishing it as a characteristic tendency. Therefore, the right choice emphasizes the habitual nature of the behavior effectively.