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: 4.3 (68 votes)

Submitted by huybauer on Tue, 13/08/2024 - 09:59

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I always try to be on time or even ealier. I think it's bad to be late and give bad feelings for person waiting for you.

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Submitted by R.chel on Fri, 02/08/2024 - 13:06

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I strive to be punctual, so I always wake up early and even prepare for the occasion the night before. I don't like making people wait for me! And I think that people who are often late tend to be irresponsible. It's okay to be late sometimes, but if it happens often, it might be just a habit. Don't waste people's time by making them wait around for you.

Submitted by BorisZ13 on Thu, 01/08/2024 - 03:21

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i always try to be on time.  For me, more than an one hour is too late!

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Submitted by zino on Tue, 30/07/2024 - 10:39

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At work and as I'm a teacher, I'm usually on time.

Submitted by Maiyannaing on Sun, 28/07/2024 - 15:15

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I want to improve my English writing but I don't know where to start and how to start. I think i know the Grammar although i really don't know to write. If there anyone knows how to improve, suggest to me.

Hello Maiyannaing,

The best thing you can do, as with any skill, is practise. There are many ways to do this but one of the best is to find a penpal with similar interests to you with whom you can exchange letters/emails/messages. In the Internet age this is a lot easier than before! It's not necessary to get your writing checked to improve. Just communicating in writing on a consistent basis will improve your skills, just as speaking in another language does even if what you say is not being corrected.

 

You can also use an online writing tool. Cambridge has a good one which you might find useful. You can find it here:

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/free-resources/write-and-improve/

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by 1terrenote on Wed, 10/07/2024 - 11:10

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I'm usually on time. In my culture, be late is very incorrect and direspectful and when I was younger, I was always ahead of schedule. But the older I get, the slower I become... The older I get, be in the clouds I become. See you later the team !

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Submitted by Mohamed-Halila on Mon, 08/07/2024 - 13:02

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I'm usually on time or even eariler than expected. I don't want to be late even one minute.

I think it's a bad behavior to be late and gives bad feelings for the person waiting for you. 

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Submitted by Arsham_Talebi1 on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 11:44

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Kash: I'll be 10 minutes late, I am really sorry!
Jay: No problem!
Kash: Ugh, traffic never stops, at this rate, I will be more than 10 minutes late.
Jay: It's ok, don't worry. I'm in the café already so it's fine.
Kash: I am here, but I just can't find a place to park, I'll let you know when I find a parking spot, I will be quick!
Jay: Ok, but I might get something to eat.
Kash: Found one! I'll reach the café in 5 minutes!
Jay: See you soon!
Kash: Thanks for waiting

Submitted by sawpaing on Fri, 05/07/2024 - 20:41

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I usually late when I go somewhere or have an appointment with someone. It usually take me about 15 mins.