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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Average: 4.1 (111 votes)

Submitted by mostafaahmed000 on Sun, 19/04/2026 - 18:13

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Well,as my transportation  is difficult I usually take extra ten minutes everyday to get my work

Submitted by Valdione on Mon, 13/04/2026 - 22:43

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I, definitely, don't like being late. Even though I am sometimes and I feel bad. It's disrespectful with those who are in time. In my culture (Brazil) people are, usually, very late. This is something that foreigners always point when they talk about our culture. So, if a Brazilian invites you to a party, for example, feel free to be late at least 40 minutes, lol.

Submitted by englishlearner1 on Sat, 11/04/2026 - 20:35

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

 

I am usually on time, but sometimes I am late by 10 minutes.

Submitted by zargar on Thu, 09/04/2026 - 21:04

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I don’t like to be late in work but sometimes because of kids 

Submitted by ViviCh05 on Sat, 04/04/2026 - 16:55

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I usually run late, i dont think its something to be proud, but im improving. Something very crazy, my boyfriend is German, he loves to be early, so i am learning with him.

 

Submitted by reisbeta on Fri, 03/04/2026 - 16:04

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

I'm usually on time because I leave my house early.  I consider 15 minutes to be late.

Submitted by iness25 on Fri, 27/03/2026 - 12:11

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Sometimes I was late for work due to the morning heavy traffic. This situation made me feel frustrated, so I decided to always  leave earlier.