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: 4.3 (72 votes)

Submitted by ema sab on Tue, 02/11/2021 - 13:40

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It depends who I meet if it's my friends, I might be 10-15 minutes late, but if anyone else, I'll be on time

Submitted by Phu Kieu on Mon, 01/11/2021 - 08:34

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I’m usually on time for an appointment. I often use the Map app to know how far and how much time from my location to the destination. I will go earlier about 20 mins with the estimate. For me, 10 minutes is late.

Submitted by Alim76 on Sun, 31/10/2021 - 19:19

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I usually try to be on time. even sometimes i arrive 5 or 10 minutes soon to an appointment. but there is sometimes i can't and it's annoying for me.

Submitted by Majidaa909 on Fri, 29/10/2021 - 15:07

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I do not like to some one for me.

Submitted by MontserratMontero on Thu, 28/10/2021 - 02:44

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I usually be on time but sometimes not. For me is disrespectful that my friends or family waits for me.

Submitted by linhchinbk on Wed, 27/10/2021 - 14:56

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In my opinion, time is realy important. That's why I'm always on time. I think 10 minutes is late for me

Submitted by Suraj paliwal on Wed, 27/10/2021 - 12:45

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I'm a man of word. I'm always at time. When I met anyone in anyplace I go to there before time. I'm strictly follow my time. I'm feeling good when because of me anyone waiting for me because I'm late. I know well my area when there is traffic and when not.

Submitted by MarlonCV on Tue, 26/10/2021 - 06:33

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I'm honestly more late than on time. I'm a lazy guy. And I'm often around 10-20 mins late. I need to change this terrible habit I've been carried ever since I can remember. But folks here in my country are normally as late, if not more I am. So there's nothing to be worried about If you come here and have an appointment, party, meeting (except from job) or whatever, never is too late. the intention is what really matters.