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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Worksheet96.32 KB

Language level

Average: 4.1 (99 votes)
Profile picture for user xaviaxun

Submitted by xaviaxun on Mon, 04/08/2025 - 03:50

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I'm usually on time, because I don't like being late, it makes me feel rushed. I don't mind waiting for someone, even for up to an hour, without getting angry. But after that,  I'll reconsider next time they invite me.

Submitted by IsabellaSousa on Fri, 01/08/2025 - 22:44

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I'm usually on time, because I am a little anxious, and it helps me not to lose track of the time haha. In my opinion, someone is late when it's past ten minutes since the combined time.

Submitted by tgranado on Wed, 30/07/2025 - 11:18

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My dear friend, I'm sorry, but I'm running late for our lunch. I'm still at work, trying to finish a presentation that my boss requested from me today. 

As soon as I finish this, I'll go straight to your place. I hope you will understand and I promise I will do my best to finish it quickly.

Submitted by walid_dis on Fri, 25/07/2025 - 23:58

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Frankly, I am usually not on time. However, I am trying to fix this negative point as soon as possible because this attitude might bother others or they might see that as a disrespect . 

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Submitted by Bkry on Wed, 23/07/2025 - 10:42

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I'm often on time. I don't like to be late for anything, but sometimes I can't do anything, like when I face traffic jams on the road. Now, I go to my job as early as I can fifteen minutes before the meeting.

Submitted by salem.10 on Sun, 20/07/2025 - 21:03

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I like to arrive on time, but sometimes i'm late and this not by me. So l try not to come late and arrive earlier.

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Submitted by Aleja_95 on Sat, 19/07/2025 - 01:19

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I like to be on time, but sometimes we can not control or predict what will happen on the way, and it is inevitable to not arrive late. So, If I have a work meeting or an interview, I would prefer to arrive early, even If I have to wait for a while.

Submitted by nihad on Fri, 18/07/2025 - 21:58

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Absolutely being late for appointments is considered a disrespectful behavior. It indicates that time is not valuable for some people who think that there is nothing wrong if others wait even for a long time. In fact, such people gradually lose respect and honesty because of their carelessness for time.

 

Would anyone tell me if my writing is good or not? How much score would I get for the above paragraph?

Submitted by pujaT on Wed, 16/07/2025 - 15:07

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I like being punctual, and I appreciate punctual people. I really don’t like being late for appointments, meetings, or visits whatever the occasion. I also don’t like it when others are late. Since I started living in Germany, I’ve come to understand how important it is to be on time.

 

For me, being more than 15 minutes late is already considered “very” late, if someone knows they’ll be late to a meeting or appointment, they should at least send a message or email. And if they are more than 15 minutes late, they should definitely call the person they are meeting.

 

Being punctual shows respect for other people’s valuable time.