Which phrase correctly conveys a tendency of someone's punctuality?

The phrase "He tends to be late" accurately indicates a habitual tendency regarding someone's punctuality. By using the expression "tends to," it suggests that being late is a recurring behavior for this person rather than a one-time occurrence. This phrasing captures the idea that their lateness is a consistent pattern, rather than a possibility or a confirmed instance.

In contrast, "He is always late" implies a certainty about the person’s habitual lateness without accounting for any exceptions. "He might be late" suggests uncertainty and doesn’t affirm a definitive pattern of behavior. Similarly, "He has been late" refers to specific past instances without conveying that lateness is a tendency or behavior that can be expected in the future. This distinction is key in interpreting the nature of the person's punctuality in a nuanced way.