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 (64 votes)
Do you need to improve your English writing skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English writing skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.

Submitted by StacyShy on Sun, 11/12/2022 - 22:07

Permalink

I usually try to be on time. But sometimes there could be unpredictable situations like traffic, so I can be late. And I can patiently wait for a person for about a half an hour, that's no problem. But when somebody arranges a meeting and then he or she is 'lating' more than three hours it irritates me!

Submitted by kkr. on Thu, 08/12/2022 - 23:51

Permalink

I'm usually on time for meeting with my friends. But sometimes I can be late yet I pay attention that being late is not more than 10 mins.

Submitted by FeliipeAndresA on Sat, 03/12/2022 - 23:58

Permalink

I'm usually on time for my appointments.
And when it comes to talking abut being late, I guess 30 minutes is the limit.

Submitted by Iqlimakims on Sat, 03/12/2022 - 12:06

Permalink

I'm usually on time when I go to work or meet someone. For me, 10 minutes is too late and long enough for someone to wait

Submitted by mranvarsafonov on Fri, 02/12/2022 - 21:30

Permalink

Usually I am a punctual person because I feel responsibility for my work. I was often late only in school.

Submitted by TLg on Wed, 30/11/2022 - 13:27

Permalink

I am a punctual person. I always do everything on time or go on time.I don't like to be kept waiting and 15 minutes is too late for me.

Submitted by VÕ THỊ HỒNG YẾN on Sun, 27/11/2022 - 10:10

Permalink

I am working in a private school. It is primary, junior high and high school. Shool name is TVK. Working on time is the best important order. I usually go to work on time.

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

Hmm idk how can I improve my Writing :(