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 yaser14 on Mon, 11/07/2022 - 09:27

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I'm usually late because the traffic is bad in my country, this is at Friends gatherings only, but in formal meetings, I arrive 15 minutes early

Submitted by angiesml07 on Sun, 10/07/2022 - 05:30

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Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?

Hi, I usually arrived just in time in the date or meeting, but when I am late normally is for five minutes, so I say "Sorry, I Will be more than 5 mints".

I think is very important be punctual because that talk fine of you.

Submitted by Tami_hero on Thu, 07/07/2022 - 11:41

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Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?

I usually on time i am almost never late.

Submitted by asmaaanwar on Sat, 02/07/2022 - 23:29

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No , I'm always try to be on time but most of time I arrive late as many reasons first and big reason is traffic very bad
. For me , 30 mins late most of time but if the matter is important I arrive on time

Submitted by lyromem on Tue, 28/06/2022 - 20:41

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I'm usually a little late to places, especially school. I know I need to improve my habits.

Submitted by Ashanelum on Mon, 27/06/2022 - 14:50

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I am running out at least 15 minutes late for work. I know that it's not a good habit. but the fact is, no matter how hard I try, how early I get up, i can't make it on time!!!

Submitted by Abrarhussain on Fri, 24/06/2022 - 20:35

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Usually, I am on time. Arriving fifteen minutes is late for me.

Submitted by Akyedze on Mon, 20/06/2022 - 20:48

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I like being there early. It's better to also be late than not to be there at all.

Submitted by omidabbasi on Sun, 19/06/2022 - 07:11

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i always try to be on time. because it's important to me too much to get on time. but suddenly, sometimes it's heppen to me to be that i'm late. for example, things like traffic, accident make me that i'm late or maybe i leave something at home and have to go home and take it. anyway i hope these things don't happen to me anymore

Submitted by Lorena Peña on Fri, 10/06/2022 - 23:00

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Hello,
Somenthing unxpeted happend. sorry, but i'm arrive ! just sarching for a park,