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

Download
Worksheet96.32 KB

Language level

Average: 4.3 (72 votes)

Submitted by mostafa taha on Thu, 17/02/2022 - 13:19

Permalink

I usually don't late for any meeting or any class, but sometimes I late some minutes because the traffic is very bad.

Submitted by fancychild on Sun, 13/02/2022 - 04:02

Permalink

I always try to be on time by calculating the total time taken for me to reach the destination, even when going out with friends. I usually add extra time to my estimation to prevent unexpected situations like traffic jams and damaged vehicles. Although I always want to be on time, it is not a problem for me to wait for someone. For me, 30 minutes is probably considered as late but I would not be pissed off if they are important to me and they can explain why they are late.

Submitted by sangprovip113 on Sat, 12/02/2022 - 04:04

Permalink

I consider myself as a person who is not really punctual because as a student I was often late for school time, as a result, I got punished a lot by my head-teacher, it is really remarkable memory to me. For me, 5 mins are appropriate but ten or more is where I use the word 'late' to define

Submitted by soylemezali42 on Thu, 03/02/2022 - 10:57

Permalink

I usually go to a meeting on time. I don’t like to be late. But, we are running late somehow, I think that it is too normal for everyone.If you are running 5-15 mins late, it is fine for me.

Submitted by Gijs on Wed, 05/01/2022 - 14:47

Permalink

It is because of my line of work that I can't remember when I have been late for something. Even if it means that I have to leave that early to be on time, I will do just that.

Submitted by Albert73 on Thu, 30/12/2021 - 19:24

Permalink

I usually late at 5 minutes. This new year I would like to be more effective in organizin my time.

Submitted by HebaHosaini on Tue, 28/12/2021 - 16:01

Permalink

Iam usualy 5 minutes late because of traffic

Submitted by autochor on Sun, 26/12/2021 - 13:35

Permalink

I try to get always in time, but sometimes I get late. But I try to get not so late.