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 AbdelmalekBC on Fri, 26/03/2021 - 21:03

Permalink
I'm a punctual person, I used to be on time almost everyday, for me 5 mins is too late.

Submitted by Valentinamisas07 on Fri, 26/03/2021 - 00:51

Permalink
I usually late, though I have a plan don't result how I want. For me late is 30 mins

Submitted by Camila Bastias on Thu, 25/03/2021 - 21:33

Permalink
I usually late, because i´m very slow to arrive in a place. For my late could be 5 mins.

Submitted by mrs.agatt on Wed, 24/03/2021 - 13:22

Permalink
I always try not to be late but usually I'm late approximately 10 to 15 mins. It's ok to me if someone is also late up to 15 mins.

Submitted by Asni on Tue, 23/03/2021 - 00:40

Permalink
Punctuality is one of my qualities, so I'm nearly always on time. Although, it is not the kind of behaviour I appreciate much, I can tolerate up to a15 mins delay. I can't blame them for an urgent situation that might occur out of the blue, the world is not perfect and sometimes unpredictable.
Profile picture for user Rafaela1

Submitted by Rafaela1 on Sat, 20/03/2021 - 12:13

Permalink
I hear there are two kinds of people. Those who live time and who live on time. We shouldn't be much controlled by a clock; hope we follow our own time...!

Submitted by Dwi A on Fri, 19/03/2021 - 08:15

Permalink
Well, it's better to have apologize by saying "I do apologize or I am sorry for....." for respecting others when I got late for formal situation or informal situation

Submitted by Wevellyn on Mon, 15/03/2021 - 22:29

Permalink
I hate when I'm late, because I always arrive 10 minutes before my appointment. So, for me 1 minute is late haha.

Submitted by MikhailZatopliaev on Sun, 14/03/2021 - 04:42

Permalink
Usually, I'm on time. It is about 10 mins is "late" for me.