A message to say you're late

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

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

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

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Average: 4.3 (42 votes)

Submitted by Dibesciak on Tue, 06/04/2021 - 08:32

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I think that being late is a bad habit. You don't show respect to other people when you coming late for a meeting/ appointment. If You turn up late for job interview you propably won't get a job. Or if you will be late for doctor's appointment , you may will lost chance to visit a doctor. Anyway when I' ve worked in Central London, I was usually late because the buses moving very slowly during the peak ours and underground is overcrowded. It so difficult to be on time , while you using the public transport in London. You need to decide whether cycling or walk to work.
I agree with you. I'm happy to learn here on the site about expressions to make an apology for delay such as appointments you mentioned.

Submitted by 7s_mila on Mon, 05/04/2021 - 18:08

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I like to be a punctual. I try rarely late. If 10 mins have passed it is already late.
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Submitted by Thiên Lý on Mon, 05/04/2021 - 04:50

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Late is a common habit in my country. we call this is "giờ cao su". I usually go to meeting...late because i think other people will be late also. but i go to school is on time, and sometime early.

Submitted by Veronikka on Sun, 04/04/2021 - 21:08

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No, I'm not. I always like to arrive 10mins before the meeting and I hope the other person arrives on time. If the person arrives 1min late, it's late for me. Time is of great value to me and I don't waste it. I think Time is worth more than money.
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Submitted by PuenteD on Sun, 04/04/2021 - 17:29

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In my country is common to be late... For example, when two people mark the hour to meet, then everyone can be late or more late... is crazy, I know, but we are chance...

Submitted by Ehsan on Tue, 30/03/2021 - 05:42

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I am usually on time. I try to be on the date even some mins sooner on Appointment. until 5 min is ok for me for waiting.

Submitted by SaraMessa on Mon, 29/03/2021 - 18:08

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When I go to work, I'm on time. If I go out with friends or my boyfriend, usually I'm late, because l'm more relaxed. Late for me is 10 minute.

Submitted by Camila Abreu on Mon, 29/03/2021 - 14:34

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I am always very punctual. I get extremely upset about any delay.