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?

Download
Worksheet96.32 KB
Try another writing

Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.3 (72 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.
Find out more

Submitted by Venus on Mon, 03/08/2020 - 06:01

Permalink
To start, I am a professionally late person ranging from 5min to 90min late.

Submitted by Phan Bao Dung on Sun, 02/08/2020 - 17:10

Permalink
I always try my best to be on time or even from 10 to 15 minutes earlier all the appointments. But sometimes I'm a bit late. I remembered the last time I was until 30 minutes late by the traffic jam but my friend was sympathetic toward me. I appreciated this because waiting for someone is very tired.
Profile picture for user Vinh

Submitted by Vinh on Sun, 02/08/2020 - 15:09

Permalink
I really want to be punctual

Submitted by MammadovAnar on Sun, 02/08/2020 - 11:02

Permalink
I try to come to the appointment places on time. I do not like to be late, sometimes I come 5-10 minutes early. I can wait for a maximum of 10-15 minutes someone.

Submitted by AMANI148 on Sat, 01/08/2020 - 22:47

Permalink
Yes, I usually on the time. and I hate if another people are late!

Submitted by Junnie Phyu on Sat, 01/08/2020 - 06:58

Permalink
I am a puntual person. I do not like people who is late. 15mins late is my limit.

Submitted by Andrea Hernandez on Fri, 31/07/2020 - 18:40

Permalink
Some years ago I was all the time on time, but in the last year I'm late most of the time. I know that it's a bad habit and when you have to wait for somebody it isn't good. So I want to change and maybe I'll try to arrive before or on time.

Submitted by Bieltan on Thu, 30/07/2020 - 11:17

Permalink
I try to be usually on time, but nowadays the rythm of our lifestyle are so speedy and fleeting that's why sometime you have to be late. If i run late i'll try to do all my best to late not more than on 15 minutes.
Profile picture for user EWS

Submitted by EWS on Thu, 30/07/2020 - 03:10

Permalink
I hate be late. Better come in half hour earlier than be late.

Submitted by Milena1 on Mon, 27/07/2020 - 21:34

Permalink
Waiting for a person is horrible, but on many occasions I am usually 5 minutes late because I don't have a car and the subway in my country (Venezuela) is always very late.