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 jbreis on Thu, 24/11/2022 - 01:48

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I'm usually on time for my appointments but sometimes I'm late.
For me, 10mins is too late 'cause I don't like to wait.

Submitted by Haje_tj on Tue, 15/11/2022 - 12:41

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Sometimes I'll be late for traffic but usually I'll be on time

Submitted by Nguyễn Thế Giáp on Thu, 10/11/2022 - 12:52

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Hmm idk how can I improve my Writing :(

Hi Nguyễn Thế Giáp,

May I make a few suggestions? If you haven't yet, it might help to identify what you want to write. Is it professional writing (e.g. emails and reports), or writing for an exam (e.g. IELTS), writing for studies (e.g. academic articles or essays), or writing for personal communication, or some other context or purpose? Professional writing, academic writing and writing for interpersonal communication are all quite different styles and each one has its own characteristics. Then, you can search for resources to help you to practise your chosen writing focus.

There are also various aspects of writing such as content, vocabulary, grammar and organisation. Perhaps you can consider which of these you would like to develop.

Here are some resources that might help.

  • Other pages in the Writing section. For each text you can read the writing tips, see an example and try exercises to understand it.
  • English for Emails (in our Business English section).
  • Online courses (paid-for). These including online lessons, self-study and personal tutoring.

I hope that is of some help. Good luck with it!

Jonathan

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by jfuifhuiwfhuiw65463 on Wed, 09/11/2022 - 01:39

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A: Sorry, B! I'm running 10 mins late.
B: Ok. Don't worry. LMK when you're here.
I sometimes late in some case of emergency situation. For me 5 mins is late.

Submitted by foxtale on Sun, 06/11/2022 - 11:35

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Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?
I am usually on time. I try to get to places early however there are times I'm late due to traffic. Arriving 15 minutes later than the agreed time is late for me

Submitted by LourdesBarrientos on Fri, 04/11/2022 - 00:34

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A:Good morning Principal. Sorry I'm running 5 minutes late. My car tire got puncture.
B: Good morning. It's ok. Don't worry.
A: Now I'm leaving the workshop. I arrive in 3 minutes. I'm sorry
B: Ok. Good luck. We will wait for you.

Submitted by Carl_yyy on Sun, 30/10/2022 - 08:58

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I'm running maybe 5 mins late, sorry
Don't worry, it's fine

Submitted by Woddy on Sat, 29/10/2022 - 11:24

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Hello, everyone I never late time sometimes I always try to be on time.

Submitted by sunlight_nyx on Wed, 26/10/2022 - 23:55

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I am usually late, but i try not to be. :/