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 Trang Luu on Sun, 05/02/2023 - 04:21

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I always on time. Sometimes I am earlier and hardly ever let people wait me for long.

Submitted by Fahd3000 on Tue, 31/01/2023 - 19:41

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I am always looking to be on time, respecting appointment time show your personality.

Submitted by daiza_ on Sun, 29/01/2023 - 17:41

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I usually try to be right on time for every appointment I have. It is something that really matters to me. I feel that is disrespectful to not care about other people time. Obviously, there are circumstances when you cant get to your appointment on time, but those should be the extraordinary.

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Submitted by Eli.8 on Fri, 27/01/2023 - 16:45

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I'm usually on time, I don't like to be late, specifically when is an important meeting.

Submitted by LucaRev on Fri, 27/01/2023 - 10:31

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I usally try to be on time. Sometimes happens that i'm in late 'cause I forget something like keys or because somethings unpredictable happens. I wanna be a very zen person but more than 20 mins are considered late

Submitted by Dannie on Mon, 23/01/2023 - 06:07

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I don't want to keep people waiting so I will try to be punctual by getting ready and leaving home early. However, sometimes unexpected things can happen, such as getting lost or being stuck in traffic. If that's the case, I will apologize and let the other person know that I'll be late. More than 15 mins are considered 'late' for me. But it's okay if that person notifies me in advance.

Submitted by kamalsayed1993 on Thu, 19/01/2023 - 12:45

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i am usually punctual , but sometimes late for 5:15 mins

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Submitted by Rekk on Wed, 18/01/2023 - 14:08

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I used to late at the class. But now I'm trying to be a punctual person.