1. Free resources
  2. Writing
  3. A1 writing
  4. A message to say you're late

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

Grouping_MjI1OTg=

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

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Task 3

Exercise

Discussion

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

Download
Worksheet96.32 KB
Try another writing

Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.2 (112 votes)

Submitted by D. O. Junedi on Sat, 21/03/2020 - 07:49

Permalink
I try to be on time for each occasion, appointment, lecture. being on time reflects your personality and how you are serious in dealing.

Submitted by rpikeri on Wed, 18/03/2020 - 21:22

Permalink
understanding the assignment is more important than the assignment.

Submitted by Abdourahman on Tue, 17/03/2020 - 14:25

Permalink
I am never being late. I went betwen thirty or one hour before the time for the appointment
Profile picture for user Baxteenana88

Submitted by Baxteenana88 on Tue, 17/03/2020 - 06:28

Permalink
I try be on time, but if i´m running late, i think that 5 mins is a bit late, but 10 mins is too long. Once in Vancouver I had a meeting and I couldn't find the parking and I felt a lot of stress. I was 10 minutes late.

Submitted by MayMay on Thu, 12/03/2020 - 13:20

Permalink
I’m usually on time. And I hate to be late

Submitted by Khin Nyein Chan on Tue, 10/03/2020 - 08:07

Permalink
I am usually on time because my friends are late every time.
Profile picture for user msn_nazari

Submitted by msn_nazari on Sun, 08/03/2020 - 18:17

Permalink
i am usually an on-time person.but sometimes i was be late for about 10-15 mins.and it was because of no park place or street traffic or running late. also my friend that was waiting for me accept my late and it was OK.