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

Download
Worksheet96.32 KB

Language level

Average: 4.1 (99 votes)
Profile picture for user Sam.ar

Submitted by Sam.ar on Tue, 15/04/2025 - 14:38

Permalink

No, I have a problem with punctuality.

I am always trying to arrive at time. I often late 15 mins.

Profile picture for user Ahmed_Sayed703

Submitted by Ahmed_Sayed703 on Fri, 11/04/2025 - 09:32

Permalink

Always, I arrive on time but if there is really bad traffic I will 15 mins late, and I can wait someone late around 30 mins only 

Submitted by Thandar78 on Thu, 10/04/2025 - 09:41

Permalink

I usually arrive on time. Sometimes, if traffic is really bad, I'll be 10-15 minutes late. I can wait 15-30 minutes for someone late. 

Submitted by ali_hasan on Sat, 05/04/2025 - 21:45

Permalink

I always try to be on time, but sometimes, I am late for some reason. For me, 15 minutes or more is considered late.

Profile picture for user yamin1991

Submitted by yamin1991 on Mon, 24/03/2025 - 16:06

Permalink

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

I usually on time but sometimes I’m running 10 minutes late. If I have an important meeting or appointment, I never late.

Submitted by cittàutopica on Sat, 15/03/2025 - 17:25

Permalink

I try always on time, or rather I turn up for an appointment before due.

Submitted by jocabed on Thu, 13/03/2025 - 19:43

Permalink

I am usually on time. I don't like to keep people waiting for my arrival. I'd say that 15 minutes is late for me. I mean, 10 minutes is okay as a grace period.

Submitted by Doc.0 on Wed, 05/03/2025 - 22:21

Permalink

Ever since I was a kid, I had this feeling that I was going to be late whenever I had something important to attend to the next day. It made me nervous that sometimes I would arrive too early.(I was never late)
I think I respect punctuality within a 30-minutes window.

Submitted by Mohanad93 on Mon, 03/03/2025 - 23:16

Permalink

appointment is an important thing for me , when you come in the right time for the appointment that's means you are respect and appreciate me