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: 4.4 (65 votes)

Submitted by lavande1983 on Wed, 09/12/2020 - 20:54

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I'm an organized person, so i hate waiting for someone,. waiting for more than 10 minutes is late for me. I always try my best to go to work or an appointement on time . Because i use public transport so if a problem occurs with the transport, i have to be go out of the public transport and then i take a taxi or a bicycle. Last year, there was a big transportation trike in France, I was very tired. i live far from my work and everyday i had to take a bicycle to go to work in stead of using the underground . it was an unforgettable memory
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Submitted by DJ Singh on Sat, 05/12/2020 - 10:57

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I prefer reaching on time or a little early in every situation. I plan ahead and count obstacles according to the situation if there any, like if traveling by car so if know there will be traffic then I left my house a little early. I always keep 10 to 15 minutes buffer always.
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Submitted by susanavali on Sat, 05/12/2020 - 02:16

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I'm on an on-time person and I usually late every where, that was my habit since my childhood and I know that is not a good habit, but after all of these years, changing the personality is out of my ability, I remember that I late for my classes in school and university and all of my dates and meeting so everyone around me includes my family and my friends know how to set the date times with me, for example my friends agree about 5 pm to gather but they tell me to be there on 4 pm , the funniest part of me is that every time my friends lie to me about the time of gathering I decide to be on-time so every time we have a lot discussion to decide whats problem with me, I don't know :)))

Submitted by ryan817 on Thu, 03/12/2020 - 07:39

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I used to get to the meeting point early, however, tend to arrive there in time or little late these days. We can leave home late if something unexpected happens or meet bad traffic on our way so waiting for about 10 minutes is acceptable for me - I might potter about the nearby shops while I wait for my friend.

Submitted by fariba on Sat, 28/11/2020 - 08:26

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i am usually on time. i think 10 minutes is late.

Submitted by fariba on Sat, 28/11/2020 - 08:21

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i am usually late. i'm 30 minutes late.

Submitted by Sayed Mohsin on Fri, 27/11/2020 - 15:37

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I'm really sorry for being late. There is really a terrible traffic jam. Thanks for waiting.I'll try next time not to be late.If a traffic jam occurs, I'll leave from the bus and will start to walk.All of us know about the terrible traffic jam of Dhaka. It takes approx 1 hour and half an hour to pass 6 k.m. by bus.Sorry again!
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Submitted by zabiullah on Thu, 26/11/2020 - 16:46

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Thx so much from your real team. your lesson makes us inispiration as well to do more works. sometime i am so late when i go to bed late at night. but actually i am always on time at meeting, at work.

Submitted by acis on Tue, 24/11/2020 - 16:37

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to be honest I don't like to wait for someone. I usually try to go on time for my appointment. I think after 15 mins is late.