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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Worksheet96.32 KB

Language level

Average: 4.3 (64 votes)
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Submitted by Minnu on Wed, 15/09/2021 - 12:08

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I try to be punctual always but sometimes I’ll be late depends on the unpredictable situations.more than 20 mins late is the time considered late for me. I don’t like anyone keep me waiting for long time.May be others will think this way too..so I don’t like to make anyone waiting so I try to be on time

Submitted by hassan rakib on Thu, 09/09/2021 - 12:23

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It depends on the traffic. I usually try my best to arrive on time, but can't always do it due to unpredictable traffic. 10 mins Before or after I count as on time in that sense. So, 15 mins late is the time I consider late and subjected to an apology.

Submitted by JonathanRob87 on Fri, 03/09/2021 - 01:38

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I admit I have a problem with the punctuality. I always sorry for this defect but it is something I have not been able to change though the years. My friends or acquaintances already know about this and they always begin (whatever the activities are) without me. To me being late means 1 hour. I do not have problems when someone arrives late. I always bring with me a book into my backpack in order not to be bored.

Submitted by Tossa on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 23:40

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I'm usually on time, for me is bad to arrive late, I think my time and your time is important. If happens something I'll probably call or text you explaining what happened with me and you'll probably wait for me. If you arrive one minute later, for me you're unpunctual person.

Submitted by Heyle20 on Mon, 16/08/2021 - 10:36

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I always like to be on time or even arrive minutes before the appointment.

Submitted by Aisha Tameem on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 20:47

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Hi I am sorry, I think I need 20 minutes too late There is a problem with my car so I wasting my sister to bring my I heat to me late! Sorry again, please waiting to eat together and I will you know when I arrive, see you soon

Submitted by avenesra on Sun, 01/08/2021 - 19:20

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I'm usually on time and I'm not into when someone makes wait aargh

Submitted by Chue KP on Fri, 16/07/2021 - 16:47

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I usually on time but sometime I late about 15 min that is maximum.

Submitted by amola on Wed, 26/05/2021 - 15:23

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I'mnot driving a car so I always been late and I'm running hours late .Tha't bad 'but nothing to do about it. I really organize person and I like that in all things just my appointment with others out home