1. Skills
  2. Writing
  3. A1 writing
  4. A message to say you're late

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

Grouping_MjI1OTg=

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

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Task 3

Exercise

Discussion

Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?

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Worksheet96.32 KB
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Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.3 (72 votes)

Submitted by Aileen Gidayawan on Tue, 09/07/2019 - 09:43

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Hi, just want to ask if you check essays here. Thanks

Submitted by chriskutte on Thu, 04/07/2019 - 06:27

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I usually try to be on time. About 15 mins or more are late for me. If I have to wait longer as 15 mins I am going to be angry about it.

Submitted by SUJEET KUMAR on Sun, 30/06/2019 - 10:33

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Thanks for such helping courses
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Submitted by iEdd on Thu, 27/06/2019 - 03:30

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I usually try to arrive on time. More exactly at the exact moment or maybe two or thre benotes before. After the dot time, it's late and I don't like if someone makes me wait and I'm embarrased if I make waiting someone.

Submitted by Xiuwen on Wed, 26/06/2019 - 10:57

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I'm quite punctual. I am rarely late for the meetings or appointments. If there are something unexpected and lateness is inevitable, I'll let them know the reasons and make an apology.

Submitted by tooran on Tue, 25/06/2019 - 04:46

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Dear British Council, At first I wanted to say thank you because of your really helpful website. On the other hand I need your guide about writing A1, actually when I drag and put one item in a box I can not place another item in the same box as like as Linhview. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes

Hello tooran

What you have to do is always move the words by clicking or pressing on the small white hands in the top right corner of the word boxes. Click or press on the hand to 'pick up' a word or box and then click or press on the small hand in any word or box that is already in a group to move it there.
It sounds difficult but is quite easy once you see how it works. Please let us know if you have any more trouble with this, and sorry for the inconvenience!
All the best
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Cho on Mon, 24/06/2019 - 11:56

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Actually, I don't like late.That's why I try to be on time. Timekeeping is important to me.
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Submitted by Julian Serjanaj on Fri, 21/06/2019 - 23:10

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I havent time.

Submitted by Rodomi on Thu, 20/06/2019 - 16:06

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I'm trying always to come on time in all compromises. But sometimes the traffic is very hard or buses and subways are slower. When I have interviews or another compromise related to work I leave home as soon as possible. For me, one minute is late for professional meetings but 10 and 15 mins for personal compromises.