How to say it · Plans, time and sorry

Saying I'm running late

You're going to be late and someone is waiting. You want to warn them early, sound sorry, and say when you'll actually get there.

6 ways to say it

On a crowded bus, Mia phones ahead with an apologetic face while an alarm clock with legs runs off beside her.

How formalCasualFormal

I'm running a bit latebest default Be there in tenquick text I'm stuck in trafficgiving a reason Start without medon't wait I've been held upwork-safe I'm afraid I'm going to be a few minutes latevery polite

Way 1 · best default

I'm running a bit late

The normal way to warn someone. "A bit" keeps it small and calm.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry, I'm running a bit late. Grab a table and I'll be there soon.

I'm running a bit late this morning, so can we start at quarter past?

In a conversation

A: Are you nearly here?
B: Sorry, I'm running a bit late. Ten minutes, tops.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I will late~~ a ~~little.~~

Say: I'm running a bit late.

"Late" isn't a verb. Say "I'm running late" or "I'm going to be late".

Practice saying this

Next: Be there in ten

Way 2 · quick text

Be there in ten

A short text that gives the one thing people want: when you'll arrive.

How formalVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itIn messages

Examples

Just left the house, be there in ten!

Missed the bus, sorry. Be there in ten.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I come after 10 minutes.~~

Say: Be there in ten.

Use "in" for time from now: in ten minutes, in half an hour. "After" sounds wrong here.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm stuck in traffic

Way 3 · giving a reason

I'm stuck in traffic

Explains why you're late, and that it's out of your hands.

How formalCasual

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm stuck in traffic on the ring road, sorry.

Sorry, I'm stuck in traffic and nothing's moving at all.

In a conversation

A: Where are you? The film starts at eight.
B: I'm stuck in traffic. Go in and I'll find you.

Practice saying this

Next: Start without me

Way 4 · don't wait

Start without me

You're so late that you don't want people waiting for you.

How formalCasual

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Start without me, I'm still twenty minutes away.

If I'm not there by seven, just start without me.

Practice saying this

Next: I've been held up

Way 5 · work-safe

I've been held up

Something delayed you. Polite and vague, so you don't have to explain.

How formalFormal

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Sorry, I've been held up at the client's office.

I've been held up, but I should be with you by half past.

In a conversation

A: We're all here for the meeting. Are you joining?
B: Sorry, I've been held up. Please go ahead and I'll join soon.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm afraid I'm going to be a few minutes late

Way 6 · very polite

I'm afraid I'm going to be a few minutes late

The careful version for a boss, a client or an interview.

How formalVery formal

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

I'm afraid I'm going to be a few minutes late. My train is delayed.

Hello, it's Jo. I'm afraid I'm going to be a few minutes late for my appointment.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I'm running a bit late Be there in ten I'm stuck in traffic Start without me

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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