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  4. A message to say you're late

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

Grouping_MjI1OTg=

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

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Task 3

Exercise

Discussion

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

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Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.3 (64 votes)
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Profile picture for user Thiên Lý

Submitted by Thiên Lý on Mon, 05/04/2021 - 04:50

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Late is a common habit in my country. we call this is "giờ cao su". I usually go to meeting...late because i think other people will be late also. but i go to school is on time, and sometime early.

Submitted by Veronikka on Sun, 04/04/2021 - 21:08

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No, I'm not. I always like to arrive 10mins before the meeting and I hope the other person arrives on time. If the person arrives 1min late, it's late for me. Time is of great value to me and I don't waste it. I think Time is worth more than money.
Profile picture for user PuenteD

Submitted by PuenteD on Sun, 04/04/2021 - 17:29

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In my country is common to be late... For example, when two people mark the hour to meet, then everyone can be late or more late... is crazy, I know, but we are chance...

Submitted by Ehsan on Tue, 30/03/2021 - 05:42

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I am usually on time. I try to be on the date even some mins sooner on Appointment. until 5 min is ok for me for waiting.

Submitted by SaraMessa on Mon, 29/03/2021 - 18:08

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When I go to work, I'm on time. If I go out with friends or my boyfriend, usually I'm late, because l'm more relaxed. Late for me is 10 minute.

Submitted by Camila Abreu on Mon, 29/03/2021 - 14:34

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I am always very punctual. I get extremely upset about any delay.

Submitted by AbdelmalekBC on Fri, 26/03/2021 - 21:03

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I'm a punctual person, I used to be on time almost everyday, for me 5 mins is too late.

Submitted by Valentinamisas07 on Fri, 26/03/2021 - 00:51

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I usually late, though I have a plan don't result how I want. For me late is 30 mins

Submitted by Camila Bastias on Thu, 25/03/2021 - 21:33

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I usually late, because i´m very slow to arrive in a place. For my late could be 5 mins.