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 (79 votes)
Profile picture for user rhinedottir

Submitted by rhinedottir on Tue, 18/02/2025 - 20:49

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I'm always 5 mins late when I need to go out and meet my friends, coz I often forgot to get all my things in my bag, despite this my friends don't worry bout that, they say "It's fine, u mustn't say sorry". In situations with my school or other places I must to go by once I'm in time most of all. I worry before I'll need to go to any place, so usually wake up in 3-4 hours previously for don't forgot smth. That helps me to be calm down all the time

Submitted by tieuman on Sat, 15/02/2025 - 16:01

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Being late doesn't meet my working ethics but sometimes I've been caught in being 5 mins late. 15 mins is late to me. If they're expecting not being there on time, they should notify me their reasons.

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Submitted by Nquyet on Sat, 15/02/2025 - 09:47

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I am usually on time. I even arrive about 10 - 15 minutes early before the appointment time to prepare well in advance.

Submitted by Fahad_joro on Sun, 09/02/2025 - 10:54

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i am usually on time or sometimes i come early .... i would say 20 minutes is late for me

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Submitted by ibtissamiHA on Sun, 02/02/2025 - 11:39

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honestly i'm often late,i know that not good; i try to change this habit.

Submitted by VANISHA on Sat, 01/02/2025 - 11:05

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I usually arrive on time but sometimes, I am going a bit late at parties and wedding event. I consider 10 minute as late.

Submitted by hiba95 on Fri, 31/01/2025 - 13:25

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I usually on time but sometimes I being late for unexpected reason. 

Submitted by Platon4ik on Wed, 29/01/2025 - 18:37

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I don't like being late, so I usually arrive on time or earlier.

Submitted by merve_d on Sat, 25/01/2025 - 12:29

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Being late is not a good situation. However, sometimes there could be unexpected situations like missing the bus, forgetting something etc. So, it could be tolerated if it's reasonable time for being late. 

Submitted by gabi1999 on Thu, 16/01/2025 - 16:01

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I'm often on time, but sometimes it can happen an unexpected problem! BTW ten mins is late for me.