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)
Profile picture for user TheMaverick

Submitted by TheMaverick on Sat, 09/11/2024 - 14:05

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I never say I'll be on time because it always happens something that make you be out of time.

(Maverick Ordoñez Vera).

2024

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Submitted by nathaly.gonzalez2006 on Sat, 09/11/2024 - 06:02

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I usually arrive everywhere on time. And how many minutes is late for me? 10 minutes

Submitted by Isaerazo17 on Sat, 09/11/2024 - 05:18

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I admit that I tend to be a little late, it's a big flaw. 
For me, arriving 15 minutes from the agreed time is already arriving, it is late.

Submitted by bessadate on Thu, 07/11/2024 - 21:28

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Usually, I am on time for my appoitments, and I appreciate people when they are on time too. If for some reasons thay can not make it, it would be nice if they LMK.

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Submitted by Iriscj on Mon, 04/11/2024 - 20:42

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In the past I used to be late but I worked on it and now I have managed to be punctual, I still work on it but at least it is not like before, and it is a good and successful progress. I´M SO HAPPY FOR ME AND MY PROGRESS. =)

Submitted by no-rh on Sun, 03/11/2024 - 05:35

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I'm usually in time but rarely I'm late about 10 mins due to traffic 

Profile picture for user ASSAMOI

Submitted by ASSAMOI on Wed, 23/10/2024 - 17:00

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I am always on time when I have a meeting. 

10 mimutes after meeting, you are late for me.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 23/10/2024 - 11:17

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I'm usually on time, but occasionally I'm a few minutes late due to traffic

Profile picture for user dyegoy9

Submitted by dyegoy9 on Tue, 15/10/2024 - 21:08

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I usually arrive on time for my appointments. But sometimes I am late, and I must say I'm late, just like this example shows.

Submitted by haqi29 on Tue, 24/09/2024 - 08:27

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I often come late when i meet someone. This habit sometimes makes people upset and i have to apologize immediately.