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

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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Language level

Average: 4.3 (72 votes)

Submitted by Toan3002 on Sun, 12/05/2024 - 15:10

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Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?

Occasionally, I will come late in cases such as traffic jams, or my vehicle broken. For me, 5 minutes is 'late'.

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Submitted by phichsuwat on Sun, 28/04/2024 - 12:45

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Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?

I'm usually on time , For me it's about 10 mins.

Submitted by Rileyyy on Fri, 26/04/2024 - 17:51

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Sorry, I am running 10 mins late. 

 

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Submitted by Luis_aragon on Sun, 21/04/2024 - 04:29

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The most of time i really try to be on time but unfortunately i sometimes arrive late. I don't like to make somebody wait because i consider it disrespectful.

In my opinion, 1 or 2 minutes is not big deal  but it depends with who are going to meet you.     

 

Submitted by Askuy on Thu, 11/04/2024 - 16:30

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Sometimes i late and sometimes on time. It's depend on my motivation and the event or the people whom i will meet. If i had good motivation or spirit, i always on time, if no, i late.

Submitted by itzzsuhana18 on Wed, 27/03/2024 - 12:53

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I am usually on time, i always there 5 minutes before time. But when i have a meeting with friends and family, i am always little bit late.

Submitted by Rubyy on Thu, 21/03/2024 - 09:44

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Mostly, I go to work on time. Sometimes, I still go to late 'cause the traffic is very crowded and wake up late.I thinhk I go to late about 15 mins. 

Submitted by rosa. on Sun, 17/03/2024 - 14:17

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I'm always running late 😁

Submitted by jmajo on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 15:01

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I’m usually on time when I have to meet with colleagues or friends, I try to be punctual on 
meetings. When I agree with someone to meet at some place I consider ‘late’ 10 
minutes or more of delay.

Thanks for the lesson. 
Great site!