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.
Profile picture for user Ahmadmaaher

Submitted by Ahmadmaaher on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 03:52

Permalink
Actually, I am an organized person, I do my best to respect my appointments. So, usually I arrive on time. what is considered late for me depends on the situation itself and if there is any circumstances that is out of control.

Submitted by Khin Khin Htet on Sun, 08/11/2020 - 15:46

Permalink
I am sometimes late about one hour when I meet with my friends . But isn't always ! I always said only one word " Traffic is so bad , I will reach there within 10mins" . My friends always said , "Your 10mins means next 30mins , we know " , " Take care your way , see you soon" !

Submitted by Thanusha on Fri, 06/11/2020 - 14:11

Permalink
Honest talk: when I have a very important meeting or appointment, I try to be on time or on advance. Sometimes, when I get ready for party and the date is not determined, I could late. Several times, I didn’t go on time to my friends’ birthday. We could be late, it happens sometimes and totally understandable to have some unforseen. If the person let me know that she or he is late. I am fine, I perhaps wait. But if, I haven’t any news from my friends, that is not acceptable.
Profile picture for user Rafaela1

Submitted by Rafaela1 on Wed, 04/11/2020 - 12:57

Permalink
I'm often late due to a flow state..... (*≧∀≦)ゞ

Submitted by mrelvinaliyev on Wed, 04/11/2020 - 05:48

Permalink
I dont like to be late but my friend is running 10 min late when we meet.

Submitted by saulymarquez on Wed, 04/11/2020 - 05:36

Permalink
i´m usually go there late, is no good but is true, i considere 30 mins is late

Submitted by kzmyr on Sat, 31/10/2020 - 17:49

Permalink
Thank you for sharing
Profile picture for user Rafaela1

Submitted by Rafaela1 on Tue, 27/10/2020 - 14:35

Permalink
I'm often late due to scheduled classes.... ʎɹɹoS ʎɹɹos’ɥO ¨●౹౽‥ㆀ

Submitted by mrelvinaliyev on Tue, 27/10/2020 - 10:42

Permalink
i dont like to be late.When i meet with my friends i want to go on time.But my friend is running 20 minus late which is not good thing