A message to say you're late

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.

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

Topics

conversation

family and friends

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

Thanks for such helping courses

I usually try to arrive on time. More exactly at the exact moment or maybe two or thre benotes before. After the dot time, it's late and I don't like if someone makes me wait and I'm embarrased if I make waiting someone.

I'm quite punctual. I am rarely late for the meetings or appointments. If there are something unexpected and lateness is inevitable, I'll let them know the reasons and make an apology.

Dear British Council, At first I wanted to say thank you because of your really helpful website. On the other hand I need your guide about writing A1, actually when I drag and put one item in a box I can not place another item in the same box as like as Linhview. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes

Hello tooran

What you have to do is always move the words by clicking or pressing on the small white hands in the top right corner of the word boxes. Click or press on the hand to 'pick up' a word or box and then click or press on the small hand in any word or box that is already in a group to move it there.
It sounds difficult but is quite easy once you see how it works. Please let us know if you have any more trouble with this, and sorry for the inconvenience!
All the best
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team

Actually, I don't like late.That's why I try to be on time. Timekeeping is important to me.

I havent time.

I'm trying always to come on time in all compromises. But sometimes the traffic is very hard or buses and subways are slower. When I have interviews or another compromise related to work I leave home as soon as possible. For me, one minute is late for professional meetings but 10 and 15 mins for personal compromises.

I'm always late. Late for me is 15 mins. It's normal. But usually I late more.

usually i be on time for all my appointment but an emargancies not finsh so sometime may i came late

A message to say you're late

Preparation

Tips

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level

Topics

Online courses