1. Skills
  2. Writing
  3. A1 writing
  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?

Download
Worksheet96.32 KB
Try another writing

Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.3 (72 votes)
Do you need to improve your English writing skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English writing skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.
Find out more

Submitted by Mai Khin Nway Shein on Sun, 26/07/2020 - 17:19

Permalink
I hate those people makes me wait but I'm also late sometimes.

Submitted by IZakaria84 on Fri, 24/07/2020 - 14:27

Permalink
I usually try my best to be on time but some times I am late because of the traffic. For me 20 minutes is late.

Submitted by Jaouad on Fri, 17/07/2020 - 23:03

Permalink
In all my meeting I'm attending on time or even before the that, usually I don't like to make people waiting form and I also hate people who are not coming on time
Profile picture for user Rafaela1

Submitted by Rafaela1 on Fri, 17/07/2020 - 14:21

Permalink
Hello admins, Somehow, I was rejected to log in this learning site a few days ago. Does this happen or I was actually turned down to study with you guys?? :|

Hello Rafaela1,

I'm sorry about that. We recently did some maintenance, which caused a few temporary problems in the short term, but which should make for a better experience in the long run.

Sorry for the inconvenience!

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Abassomooyedele on Fri, 17/07/2020 - 00:46

Permalink
I hate getting late for an appointment. It's really bad and makes one loses his respect .

Submitted by Ldrago0810 on Wed, 15/07/2020 - 20:09

Permalink
Well, I'm a picky person so whenever I have an appointment I get there as soon as I can, I'd say that I'll be there 30 minutes before the agreed time. Although in Mexico, which I come from, people tend to arrive to the events really late, like 1 to 2 hours later, it depends on the kind of meeting. In short, 5 minutes after the agreed time is late.

Submitted by BIraqi on Wed, 15/07/2020 - 11:25

Permalink
being late is very bad. but usually, in more Arab countries the people does not respect the time. so mire them being late for the appointments.

Submitted by Andrerenre on Sat, 11/07/2020 - 20:48

Permalink
I hate being late because I hate when people make me wait and a waste of time is always bad. So I try as hard as I can to be punctual