Apologizing for being late in English
What to say when you walk in late to a meeting or a class.
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Say this when you arrive late
You can add a reason: The bus was delayed. / I overslept. (woke up late)
Ask if you missed anything important
Just ask where you are: Where are we? (what page / part?)
Polite: thank people for waiting
Thanks for + verb-ing: Thanks for coming / helping
Say you'll be on time next time
on time = not late; in time = before it's too late
Quick answers
You walk in and everyone is there: what to say in English
Say “Sorry I'm late!” — say this when you arrive late. You can add a reason: The bus was delayed. / I overslept. (woke up late).
Ask quietly before you sit down: what to say in English
Say “Did I miss anything important?” — ask if you missed anything important. Just ask where you are: Where are we? (what page / part?).
Classmate “We're on page twelve”: what to say in English
Say “Thanks for waiting for me.” — polite: thank people for waiting. Thanks for + verb-ing: Thanks for coming / helping.
Add one last line: what to say in English
Say “I'll be on time next time.” — say you'll be on time next time. on time = not late; in time = before it's too late.