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: 4.3 (67 votes)
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Submitted by iamnga on Wed, 19/06/2024 - 14:48

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I'm usually on time and usually arrive early if possible. I know time is precious to anyone and I don't want others to waste their time just waiting for me. I remember at my old company, if we were late to work even 1 minute, we would be fined. If we are late for the exam, we may fail. So no matter how many minutes late, it's still late. Try to be on time, you will become more professional.

Submitted by salehmub on Wed, 19/06/2024 - 01:02

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It’s dependent on the type of dates , if it about something serious I usually came earlier  but  if it’s something for fun I usually be late .  I can wait to 30 mins to meet someone but more than this it’s late to me

Your opinion, on the topic of discussion, is somehow in place ; but my advice is that it is prudent to always try to be on time. 

Submitted by lucynguyen on Sat, 15/06/2024 - 18:12

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Are u usually on time or late? How many mins is late for you.

I’m usually late when I hang out with my friends and actually so are my friends because we all think no one is coming on time.

But if I have a formal appointment like an interview I’ll try to be on time and to do that I will take traffic in my consideration 

Submitted by Hong Tham on Wed, 12/06/2024 - 09:42

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Before, I often being late for appointments

I hang out with the group of friend- we are same hometown, we usually meet each others at the cafe on weekend

Almost of us often being late for these appointments, because we all think no one coming on time

After I met my husband, he is always on time for appointments, he felt unpleasant if me being late

I know being late is a bad habit and I tried to improve

Because Time is very important for everyone, and now I don't want bother someone and make them wait for me

Submitted by Queen Queen on Wed, 12/06/2024 - 02:46

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A month ago, I had an appointment with my friends at a coffee shop. I spent 1 hour preparing for this date. However, it suddenly rained heavily, then I called my friends to notice that I would be 10 minutes late. They said it was ok and told me to drive carefully. Unfortunately, when I went to the cafe, I couldn't find where the car park was, so I had to park the car at a long distance. Consequently, I arrived 20 minutes late. Thank God my friends were still there and waiting for me, and we had a great meeting.

Submitted by tin_sky on Tue, 11/06/2024 - 04:06

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I'm usually  arrive on time when I 'll to meet someone or friend's, because this is respect to everyone.

Submitted by mo3laa15 on Sun, 09/06/2024 - 10:51

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I usually arrive on time when I meet someone. I don't want to be late, as I think it is rude and unrespectable to others. Ten minutes is counted as late for me.

Submitted by Sara B on Fri, 07/06/2024 - 20:09

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Yeah, I'm usually on time. I believe we need to respect each other's time. For me 5 minutes can be late, but I think it all depends on what or who I'm waiting.

Submitted by LucianoPalacio on Tue, 28/05/2024 - 17:59

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I usually arrive to the places at time. I don't like to arrive late because I don't like that the other people arrive late. I always try to be on the places at the correct time. For me, 10 mins is very late and after 30 mins I go to other place.