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 IlhamYMN on Wed, 25/03/2020 - 13:44

Permalink
usually, i am always come on time, but today i am so sorry because i get traffic jams. Not only that, i can't find the parking for my bicycle. I think i just late for 10 minutes.

Submitted by ezzadin on Wed, 25/03/2020 - 11:08

Permalink
I always on time. I wouldn't like be late and say sorry .because when someone is late I feel bad and I feel he/she isn't care.
Profile picture for user OlaIELTS

Submitted by OlaIELTS on Tue, 24/03/2020 - 22:13

Permalink
I am always in time. Lateness does not pertain to me.

Submitted by Warrior1243 on Tue, 24/03/2020 - 03:47

Permalink
I'm usually on time. Punctuality is the first impression of own responsibility. Never be late in along your live

Submitted by Asad91 on Sun, 22/03/2020 - 07:00

Permalink
I'm usually on time because I have paln before I go to somewher

Submitted by lorenathais93 on Sat, 21/03/2020 - 21:53

Permalink
Usually I'm on time in almost eveything. I don't like to be late when someone is waiting for me, especially because I feel very upset when the opposite happens. So, I try as possible as I can to be an on time person

Submitted by D. O. Junedi on Sat, 21/03/2020 - 07:49

Permalink
I try to be on time for each occasion, appointment, lecture. being on time reflects your personality and how you are serious in dealing.

Submitted by rpikeri on Wed, 18/03/2020 - 21:22

Permalink
understanding the assignment is more important than the assignment.

Submitted by Abdourahman on Tue, 17/03/2020 - 14:25

Permalink
I am never being late. I went betwen thirty or one hour before the time for the appointment