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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

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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?

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Worksheet96.32 KB
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Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.2 (112 votes)

Submitted by su3aad on Sat, 07/12/2019 - 15:54

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unfortunately, I always get my classes for 10 mins late or even more, my teachers put me in the absent list every time in the attendance sheet. the reason is that I wake late in the morning. eat breakfast, and get ready takes time.

Submitted by Renee on Wed, 04/12/2019 - 02:44

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I really find it hard to always be on time but I try not to keep anyone waitind for more than 15 mins.

Submitted by Clara2019 on Wed, 04/12/2019 - 02:36

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I was late about 5-10 minutes because of traffic jam, my kids, etc... i will try to be on time in the future.

Submitted by le van son on Tue, 05/11/2019 - 16:14

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Yes, I usually late every day because my company doesn't care about time work employees and I'm late about 15".

Submitted by Dariusz on Sun, 03/11/2019 - 02:07

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Be punctual is very important for me. I don't like late and I expect this from anyone. Each minute is late. However It's hard to be always punctual there are various situation who making us late.

Submitted by moudi_s9 on Sat, 02/11/2019 - 23:23

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so , i am a little bit serious person , i am almost early 1 hour before my appointments , i know that is a lot but t think the reason is i am worried to be late .

Submitted by yousf habeeb on Wed, 30/10/2019 - 08:27

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To be honest I don't remember any important or not important meetings and not being late. I'm always late late late

Submitted by Krzysztof on Tue, 29/10/2019 - 13:05

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I try to be on time. I agree with someone who previous wrote that being on time shows respect to the partner. But sometimes I'm late. I have problem with estimate a time needed to get to the meeting. Fortunately nowdays almost everyone have mobile phone so we can inform a partner when we arrive to the meeting.