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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Worksheet96.32 KB

Language level

Average: 4.3 (72 votes)
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Submitted by itzzsuhana18 on Wed, 27/03/2024 - 12:53

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I am usually on time, i always there 5 minutes before time. But when i have a meeting with friends and family, i am always little bit late.

Submitted by Rubyy on Thu, 21/03/2024 - 09:44

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Mostly, I go to work on time. Sometimes, I still go to late 'cause the traffic is very crowded and wake up late.I thinhk I go to late about 15 mins. 

Submitted by rosa. on Sun, 17/03/2024 - 14:17

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I'm always running late 😁

Submitted by jmajo on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 15:01

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I’m usually on time when I have to meet with colleagues or friends, I try to be punctual on 
meetings. When I agree with someone to meet at some place I consider ‘late’ 10 
minutes or more of delay.

Thanks for the lesson. 
Great site! 

Submitted by cicerocoghi on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 12:02

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I always try to be on time in my meetings and appointments. I hate wait for who is late but I can give them until 10 or 15 minutes late. 

Submitted by cuongnc8 on Mon, 11/03/2024 - 03:21

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I always strive to be punctual. Often arriving earlier than scheduled because I disklike being late. In urgent situation, a delay of up to 10 mins is permissible

Submitted by Haico on Sat, 24/02/2024 - 14:43

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Although I'm trying to go on time, I sometimes go to work late.
For me 10-15 minutes is late

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Submitted by davevud on Tue, 20/02/2024 - 09:06

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

Mostly, I am on time. However, sometimes I got late because of traffic situation in downtown area. I am quite patient person as well, so, I think I can wait someone for 30 minutes at most.

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Submitted by Lingaung on Fri, 16/02/2024 - 20:12

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I'm always in time.

Submitted by Sindi on Fri, 09/02/2024 - 05:04

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I like to be on time. How many minutes 'late' for me is at least 10-15 minutes