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 SaraA on Sun, 31/03/2019 - 13:51

Permalink
I think I'm usually late 5 to 10 min because of the traffic jam in my city. So, I'll try to be more accurate on time and get out early enough before my meetings.

Submitted by Kavi on Sun, 31/03/2019 - 04:24

Permalink
I always try to come on time.
Profile picture for user Rafaela1

Submitted by Rafaela1 on Wed, 27/03/2019 - 12:21

Permalink
Hurry up hurry up ♬ before I lose my temper hurry up hurry up before you lose the game hurry up hurry up before I change a diaper♬ BTW, "please hurry up" and "please hurry", which would you say to your collegue? (」°ﾛ°)｣
Prince Hurry?! JK　(･_･)ヾ(^o^;) Thank you Wendara!

Submitted by Laura1184 on Tue, 26/03/2019 - 09:12

Permalink
I always try to be early on meetings, but in sure in many times i can't, and i always have many reasons. To be in time anywhere in my life helps to me my husband...

Submitted by YuKo.yykl95 on Tue, 26/03/2019 - 08:29

Permalink
I tried hard to be on time . Sometime when I have date with my boyfriend. I kind of 10 or 15 minutes late.
Profile picture for user MAO

Submitted by MAO on Mon, 25/03/2019 - 13:31

Permalink
I'm used to going to appointment ahead of time, which may be five or ten mins. That is because we can't predict what will happen on the way to date. So, in order not to be late, it is safe to empty out some time for the buffer of unknown accident. I think that ten minute should be consider to be late.

Submitted by nguyennga1994 on Sun, 17/03/2019 - 14:09

Permalink
i am always on time. people have their own time, so i should respect their time . i always arrive 5-10 minutes earlier for meeting and 15 minutes is late for me .
Profile picture for user Rafaela1

Submitted by Rafaela1 on Thu, 14/03/2019 - 14:34

Permalink
How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?- Well...when meeting somebody, 5 -10 minutes delay is acceptable,15 minutes delay makes me feel uneasy, and 20-30 minutes delay makes me feel irritated! ٩(๑`ȏ´๑)۶