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 bullaha13 on Tue, 05/09/2023 - 20:17

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I try to be on time but usually I got late around 5 to 10 minutes. The term "late" is defined by the situation and may vary e.g. if you have to reach to a client's meeting then 5 minutes would be considered late. However if you have to check in for office then you might have 15 minutes grace time.

Submitted by Leonardofg95 on Fri, 01/09/2023 - 17:15

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I usually run late, but I'm not proud of this, I think being more than 10 minutes late can be a problem for who is waiting

Submitted by ramadan0yassin on Sun, 27/08/2023 - 05:40

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i am running 10 mins late sorry!

I usually arrive on time, but sometimes I arrive late. 10 minutes is too late for me. I don't like go to too late so I attempt to go on time

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Submitted by Thamilay on Fri, 25/08/2023 - 07:15

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Since I am waiting the bus no 35,I will be late.

Submitted by Hana Ho on Fri, 25/08/2023 - 04:54

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I often try to do something on time. I don't like lately. if possible, i think i'm only 15 minutes late.

Submitted by academicodan on Thu, 24/08/2023 - 23:59

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I'm usually on time, I always seek get ready a few minutes before!

Submitted by artoriasblue on Wed, 23/08/2023 - 20:27

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I'm running 20 minutes late to the standup meeting. The dentist appointment took me more than I thought, sorry! I will do overtime this evening to compensate for the lost time

Submitted by fariba on Wed, 23/08/2023 - 09:11

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i 'm usually be late. i think 15 minutes is late.

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Submitted by Habibullahkhairycs on Mon, 21/08/2023 - 12:25

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I am on time usually and being on time means being polite and having respect to someones time. And being more than 5 or 10 minutes can be considered late for me.