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: 4.4 (63 votes)
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Submitted by Hazar Aldughly on Sat, 07/09/2024 - 01:36

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I am always on time , but in some cases no longer than 10 mins 

Submitted by GrammarGeek on Fri, 06/09/2024 - 12:48

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I like it because I can notice my mistakes.

Submitted by Gigigi on Thu, 05/09/2024 - 15:47

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I am usually on time. For me, ten minutes stands for "late". [Punctuality] is one of my beloved values. 
 

Submitted by hilal. on Mon, 02/09/2024 - 13:41

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most of the time i am late but i  am trying to change this bad habit as soon as possible

Submitted by Englishlearner106 on Thu, 29/08/2024 - 13:47

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People  always say that I'm late ,but I think that less than half an hour is not late , however I'm trying to get ready early to not be late .

Submitted by Nesrin.Essam on Sat, 24/08/2024 - 16:35

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I am always late and this is too bad. I'm trying to do my best to change it.

Submitted by Yssine berrada on Wed, 21/08/2024 - 13:33

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I'm always late, and this is a bad habit.So, i'm trying to be on time, i just need to read some books about it, and i think it help me a lot.

Submitted by huybauer on Tue, 13/08/2024 - 09:59

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I always try to be on time or even ealier. I think it's bad to be late and give bad feelings for person waiting for you.

Profile picture for user R.chel

Submitted by R.chel on Fri, 02/08/2024 - 13:06

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I strive to be punctual, so I always wake up early and even prepare for the occasion the night before. I don't like making people wait for me! And I think that people who are often late tend to be irresponsible. It's okay to be late sometimes, but if it happens often, it might be just a habit. Don't waste people's time by making them wait around for you.

Submitted by BorisZ13 on Thu, 01/08/2024 - 03:21

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i always try to be on time.  For me, more than an one hour is too late!