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: 4.1 (99 votes)
Profile picture for user Elvis HAKIZIMANA

Submitted by Elvis HAKIZIMANA on Wed, 16/07/2025 - 10:47

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No, I'm not usually late especially on the work, as I want to take my job responsibilities as serious as possible. However, for the other appointments such as ceremonies, meetings, ;.... I'm less rigorous because everyone is often late, even the organizers. In that case it seems that those who were punctual have been punished.

 

For me, being late more than 5 minutes is unacceptable. This is the case for work and religious programs. It will appear to the other persons as if you are not aware of your commitments.

Profile picture for user baris5561551

Submitted by baris5561551 on Tue, 08/07/2025 - 15:57

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Commonly I'm late unfortunately due to some occupations regarding my personal works,hobbies... I think lateness is a big problem,especially in a group workplace, and shouldn't be repeated even for 5-10 minutes.

Submitted by Koama on Tue, 01/07/2025 - 16:23

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To be honest, I am always late, but that's not my fault. I am doing better now

Submitted by DK's on Sun, 29/06/2025 - 19:16

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I can say that I am a punctual person. I always measure how much time I need for preparing myself so I can estimate the time when I will go out. Since I am a punctual person, I really hate people that always come late even we already have a exact time when we will meet. I cannot tolerate more than 15 minutes for waiting someone.

Submitted by MariamArama44 on Tue, 24/06/2025 - 13:02

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I'm usually no time . but sometimes I'm late abot 5 or 10 mins .

Submitted by frd0096 on Tue, 24/06/2025 - 06:31

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To be honest, I am usually late for some casual activities like parties or personal meetings. But I am definitely on time for serious activities like official meetings. For me, you should not be late for more than 30 minutes for casual activities and you should be strictly on time for serious activities.

Submitted by hhh9122 on Mon, 16/06/2025 - 07:46

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I always prefer to be on time.Personally,To be punctual is an essential trait for me.I always prepare in advance not to be late and arrive or finish everything on time.I also hard to find acceptable  the others being late except some situations.

Submitted by Michel on Thu, 12/06/2025 - 16:32

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i usually late, because my life is busy. when someone says 'cafe at 2 pm' that means they'll meet at 2:30 or later. With me late is not absoluate

Submitted by Thuyle051090 on Sun, 08/06/2025 - 16:30

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I am usually on time. I always arrive at least 5 minutes early for important meetings, interviews, or dates. However, in my personal life, I am sometimes not punctual. I usually arrive about 10 minutes late, even though I prepare early and check the clock — seeing that there is still plenty of time left, I get distracted by browsing the internet. As a result, I end up being late for dates or classes.

Submitted by NatalyCT on Tue, 27/05/2025 - 17:15

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I am usually on time, but sometimes I am late due to different circumstances. For me after 15 minutes for waiting, it's late.