Messaging to cancel a plan

Messaging to cancel a plan

Learn how to write text messages to cancel plans.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Hey, I don't think I can make it tomorrow. I'm feeling really ill

Yesterday, 18:45

Oh no, poor you!

18:45

Have you been to the doctor?

18:46

No, I think it's just a cold

18:49

Well, get well soon

18:49

Shout if you need anything!

18:50

Thx, I will

18:50

Feeling any better?

Today, 9:03

A bit thanks but staying in bed today I think!

9:06

I can pop round on my way home if you need anything?

9:06

Actually, if you don't mind, pls can you get me some green tea?

9:07

No problem!

9:07

See you about 6 then

9:08

Thx so much!!

9:08

Get plenty of rest! Hope you feel better soon!

9:09

Tips

  1. You don't have to write complete sentences in text messages.
  2. You can use short forms, e.g. thx (thanks) and pls (please).
  3. To cancel a plan, say I don't think I can make it. Add the date (e.g. I don't think I can make it tomorrow) and/or to + the activity (e.g. I don't think I can make it to the party tomorrow).
  4. To show sympathy, say Poor you and Hope you feel better soon.
  5. Exclamation marks (!) sound positive and they are used a lot in text messages. Two exclamation marks (!!) shows you really, really mean it!

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

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Average: 4.1 (7 votes)
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Submitted by MikhailZatopliaev on Thu, 22/04/2021 - 15:00

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1 Hello, what's up? 2 Hi, I am feeling really ill. 1 Poor you. Could I do something? I can buy something on my way to home? 2 If you don't mind could you buy some lemons and tea. 1 No problems. 2. Thx 1 Get plenty of sleep

Submitted by Mai Khin Nway Shein on Fri, 16/04/2021 - 15:29

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Hello Teacher I can't understand the following sentence. Why do you use question mark? "I can pop round on my way home if you need anything?"

Hello Mai Khin Nway Shein,

The question mark here indicates that the speaker is requesting information, even though the construction of the sentence is not an interrogative. In other words, the sentence functions communicatively as a question even though grammatically it is a statement.

 

It's actually not uncommon to use a statement in this way. The equivalent in speech would be rising intonation.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Camila Abreu on Wed, 14/04/2021 - 13:59

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Honestly, I don't remember when I last canceled an appointment!

Submitted by TIa vinaka on Fri, 09/04/2021 - 02:33

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I cancelled meeting with a friend last year because of the virus but I still haven't made it to meet with him.

Submitted by In on Mon, 08/03/2021 - 03:31

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I canceled a plan for tomorrow. Because I have to work

Submitted by Anhvu on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 13:57

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Last week. i cancelled a plan because i'm no feeling well. I want to get plenty of rest. I walked along a park and i felt happy for that.

Submitted by khalidait on Tue, 17/11/2020 - 13:15

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have been cancelled many plans and dates because some you cant expect an important and serious things like sick or when you have to do you homework or when you have to complete you tasks