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

Download
Worksheet96.32 KB

Language level

Average: 4.3 (64 votes)
Do you need to improve your English writing skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English writing skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.

Submitted by iiiirx6 on Thu, 28/05/2020 - 20:47

Permalink
I prefer to be on time instated of be late because I feel embarrassed, but if I late there is a reason for that such a traffic,we should all try to get on time or at lest send a message if you late.
Profile picture for user Vinh

Submitted by Vinh on Thu, 28/05/2020 - 15:00

Permalink
i always wake up late, although i set the alarms.

Submitted by Shatha Radwan on Wed, 27/05/2020 - 19:53

Permalink
I get anxious I I arrive later than I feel I should even if I am still on time .

Submitted by Shatha Radwan on Wed, 27/05/2020 - 19:50

Permalink
I usually arrive on time.I prefer to arrive earlier than be late and don’t show respect to the the meetings time.Especially for formal and work meetings. On the other hand , I don’t like those who are always late and don’t respect the time.

Submitted by hana ykt on Wed, 27/05/2020 - 06:47

Permalink
I usually arrive on time because my private promise with favorite person only. And it is a rude act to be late. I have never been late in a formal setting. For example, part-time job, presentation or ceremonial occasion etc. Rather, it arrives earlier than the promised time because I am a natural very worrier. I will never do it. However of course not perfect. If I am late for arrival, the cause is often unusual oversleeping, problem with traffic or very trust person. It may be delayed for about 15 to 30 minutes. When that happens, I will contact to you soon and look for a way to arrive as soon as possible. I like waiting for people, but not everyone. After arriving at the fastest, I definitely apologize first for whatever reason. This is important to make the day enjoyable and meet again. I think the excuse is the worst. I firmly convey my apology. After that, I will make the best day with gratitude for waiting for me. My motto is don't be late and thanks to everything. I will continue to protect it from now on.

Submitted by Dener on Sat, 23/05/2020 - 04:32

Permalink
I usually arrive on time because I respect the other person. I think arriving 10 minutes later is being late.

Submitted by Nyanko Neko on Fri, 22/05/2020 - 14:57

Permalink
i usually come on time, i never late in my metting

Submitted by Nsengir on Fri, 22/05/2020 - 10:57

Permalink
I don't like to be late. But Generally my friends late. So I always wait to their.

Submitted by MD. MIZANUR RAHMAN on Tue, 19/05/2020 - 20:06

Permalink
If I promise to meet someone, I get out of my place in advance. However I face traffic on roads, that is really irritating.

Submitted by deya on Wed, 13/05/2020 - 20:51

Permalink
that s depends on the importance of the date