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  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)
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Submitted by Maahir on Thu, 11/03/2021 - 11:22

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I always like to be on time. but you may same times be late for some reasons, at that point its better to apologize the person you have the appointment with to show some respect. sorry for my English.

Submitted by EdithF on Wed, 10/03/2021 - 20:34

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I think being punctual shows respect for other´s people time; but also, I think that when something happens it´is really important to be in touch with the person who is waiting :)

Submitted by PARIMALA MADIAZHAKAN on Thu, 04/03/2021 - 13:57

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I will use late
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Submitted by Marce-English on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 12:55

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I always like to arrive earlier because I consider that time is very important for everyone. I think the amount of time you are late corresponds to the quality of person you are.

Submitted by TIa vinaka on Mon, 01/03/2021 - 02:34

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Meeting with friend I'm not punctual if they are close friends. and it' kind of　abbreviations. but for work, It's regarded as common sense in my country to act 10 or 5 mins before. being late consider to not trustworthy person.

Submitted by RaiBonfim on Fri, 26/02/2021 - 18:21

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I am late ever! because i delay leaving. this is boring, i know! So, for me 10 minutes the person is already late.
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Submitted by roselletabuena on Mon, 22/02/2021 - 04:03

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I can't see the task section it says "gamedata.britishcouncil.org’s server IP address could not be found." It is the same thing for you? What s

Hello roselletabuena,

I think there must have been a temporary error on one of our servers. I can see the tasks now, but if you still can't see them, could you please let me know what browser and browser version you are using?

Sorry for the inconvenience!

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by victor.07 on Sat, 20/02/2021 - 15:35

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I am usually on time and, for me, 10 minutes is late