A message to say you're late

A young woman texts on her phone

Learn how to write text messages to tell a friend you're going to be late.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Aziz

online

I'm running 10 mins late, sorry!

15:57

No problem!

15:58

Aargh! Traffic is really bad. I'll be more than 10 mins late now, sorry again!!

16:07

It's OK, don't worry. I'm in the café already so it's fine

16:08

This is not my day! I'm here but can't find a place to park. I'm looking for a different car park. Not sure how long I'll be

16:09

OK, LMK when you find a place

16:11

I might get something to eat tho

16:11

Of course! I'll be as quick as I can

16:13

OK!

16:13

Found one! Be there in 10 mins

16:16

Well done! See you soon

16:16

Thx for waiting

16:17

Tips

1. You don't need to write complete sentences for text messages.

2. Use abbreviations like LMK (= let me know) or use emojis to save time writing.

3. You don't need to use full stops (.) at the end of messages.

4. Say how many minutes you think you'll need, e.g. I'm running 10 minutes late.

5. It’s good to say sorry and sorry again, but you don't need to say sorry in every message.

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

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Language level

Average: 4.3 (72 votes)
Profile picture for user Rafaela1

Submitted by Rafaela1 on Thu, 14/03/2019 - 14:34

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How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?- Well...when meeting somebody, 5 -10 minutes delay is acceptable,15 minutes delay makes me feel uneasy, and 20-30 minutes delay makes me feel irritated! ٩(๑`ȏ´๑)۶

Submitted by Nhungskun on Thu, 14/03/2019 - 04:08

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For me, it's hard to get up early in the morning, But i don't like be late, so i always ride more quickly to go to company. I tried go to bed early night in advance but this is meaningless

Submitted by Monica Jimenez on Wed, 13/03/2019 - 13:44

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I´m usually on time. For me, 5 minutes already is late. I think that to be on time reflects respect for the other people.

Submitted by aliyyan on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 09:34

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I always on time, 5 minutes is late for me.

Submitted by Dener on Tue, 05/03/2019 - 11:37

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I was usually on time when I was a younger, but when I was studying at university I learnt leave late because I always waited a lot. I think 15 minutes is late. I like reading when I wait :)
Profile picture for user Lê Như Quỳnh

Submitted by Lê Như Quỳnh on Tue, 05/03/2019 - 08:17

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I sometimes late. That is boring days, I feel tired and want to stay alone. A cup of peach tea is enough those days. But life does not as a dream and I have to return with normal works. I go to my office and run 10 mins late. With me don't be late over 15 mins is fine.^_^
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Submitted by bachhx on Mon, 04/03/2019 - 22:41

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For important meeting, I always leave earlier to be on time. Sometimes i get late, because of stuck in traffic, but not more than 15 minutes late. For me, for an unofficial meeting, being less than 10 mins late is acceptable.

Submitted by malana on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 11:44

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this excercises are boring
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Submitted by teddysl on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 03:15

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Every day i will late but don't feel i'm late :(