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 Ehwitch on Fri, 10/07/2020 - 13:49

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I really hate to anyone waiting for me for even only 1 minute. Because I know what that feels like

Submitted by Truicab on Fri, 10/07/2020 - 12:33

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Normally I try to be on time in all my meetings, I don't like that nobody waits for me.. For me 10 minutes is the limit for say that you are late, so run!

Submitted by Youssef Er-rafay on Wed, 08/07/2020 - 19:12

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In morocco , people don’t respect time , they can be late for over an hour , and it’s okay for them no sorry , when i have a date with someone , i really get there before the time , but i’m sick of waiting people so i became late too , everything in my life became late , even my daily meals , university , dates... , it’s exhausting.

Submitted by joshnamep on Mon, 06/07/2020 - 17:28

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I'm often late going to morning class, because classes in Vietnam usually start early at about 7:00 am and it is hard to prepare everything on time.
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Submitted by Red Sus on Sat, 04/07/2020 - 07:43

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Being late once or twice times is acceptable. But I can tell a person who usually late does not respect other people. I always try to avoid making other people waiting for me, as I dislike the feeling of waiting for someone else (for nonsense reasons). 5 to 10 minutes is late for me.

Submitted by yusra on Thu, 02/07/2020 - 10:53

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I'm on time if that's for a job or university but when the topic comes about visiting my family or going to a party or anything like this I am too late. I know that's not good but I can't help I'm taking too much time when I put my makeup and I can't put it early. If you find any mistake in my writing skills, LMK.

Submitted by Ronake on Tue, 30/06/2020 - 23:55

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Being late is one of my bad habits. Most of the time, I arrive late in my job, break time, dates, and family occasions. I'm that girl, who every time comes to University after the lessons begin, and that who comes to the job with a run. I just can't manage my time, and that is very bad because I feel stressed and anxious about it. Waiting 10 or more minutes, or arriving 10 minutes after regular time means late for me.
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Submitted by Hennadii on Sat, 27/06/2020 - 16:46

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Telling the truth I hate to be late. I would rather come 30 minutes earlier than 5 minutes late. What is 'late' to me? I think it starts from 15 minutes.

Submitted by Wendy.Yang on Fri, 26/06/2020 - 12:39

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Hi guys. Good to see what you have shared. I am usually on time. However sometimes circumstances happened which made me late. In that case I will call the person who is waiting for me and apologise to her/him. In my opinion 15 mins more means 'late'.

Submitted by Sushmita Verma on Fri, 26/06/2020 - 12:19

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I am a punctual person and often end up waiting for others. I build in a safety buffer to ensure that all my activities are as per the set timeline. If there is any delay at my end due to ceratin unforeseen circumsatnces, I make sure that the concerened party is informed.