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 (64 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
Profile picture for user Sandra321

Submitted by Sandra321 on Mon, 20/05/2019 - 13:46

Permalink
I am never late. I have a problem, that I am very soon everywhere. I think, that the delay is very irresponsible and unacceptably.

Submitted by Setareh on Mon, 20/05/2019 - 03:21

Permalink
I usually try to be on time;but I usually late. In my opinion, five minutes is late, specially for someone who is waiting.

Submitted by Aram63 on Sun, 19/05/2019 - 01:14

Permalink
It is very important for me to be on time,specially if it is about important meeting. But sometimes we can’t control things and it is just happening. I consider 15 mins as a delay.

Submitted by Haseena fazal on Sat, 18/05/2019 - 12:01

Permalink
I’m usually on times. But sometimes i run late, for me 5-15 is late

Submitted by Ahmadbassam on Wed, 15/05/2019 - 14:30

Permalink
i am usually on time . 15 mins is late for me

Submitted by Thai Duong on Wed, 08/05/2019 - 09:48

Permalink
I’m on time, sometime I’m on late. But I try to be sooner. For me, 5-10 mins is late.

Submitted by dw3222 on Sat, 04/05/2019 - 12:19

Permalink
Can we use ( might ) instead of I'll in the sentence " I'll be more than 10 mins late now" ?
Hello dw3222 Yes, you can say 'I might be ...' instead of 'I will be ...', but it means something different. It means that it is possible that you will be late instead. With 'will' you are saying you're sure you're going to be late. All the best Kirk The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by saydin on Sat, 04/05/2019 - 07:04

Permalink
I am always on time. Every minute important for me. Even, I always try to early come.

Submitted by lengoclam on Thu, 02/05/2019 - 14:51

Permalink
I am usually on time. For me, "late" mean you come after exactly the time you said before.