Did you oversleep? Learn how to say “Sorry, I’m late” in English in basic form, as well as in many creative ways invented by comedians from the Irish cabaret Foil Arms and Hog.
In the image: “When your 400 alarm clock rings in the morning and you’re already four hours late for work…”
We are all late for work sometimes!
Being late for work or school is a very international affair. In the awkward situation that has arisen, something must be said.
So let’s see what phrases we can use, from the most basic to increasingly sophisticated excuses to somehow explain being late for work.
And finally, some memes in English on the subject in question, of course.
How is “sorry to be late” in English?
The simplest way to say it is simply:
- Sorry, I’m late.
Or in a more elaborate, nicer version:
- I’m terribly sorry for being late.
In addition, we can give an excuse:
- I’m sorry, I’m late. This meeting ran over. / I overslept. / My alarm clock didn’t go off.
From a psychological point of view¹ instead of talking about ourselves (read: giving excuses), it is good to refer to the effect our action had on the listener:
- Sorry for keeping you waiting.
- I’m so sorry for taking up more of your time.
(I apologize for taking up more of your time.) - Thank you for your flexibility.
However, human ingenuity is unlimited!
Below, comedians from the Irish cabaret Foil, Arms and Hog (the cabaret is named after the comedians’ nicknames²) present some creative ways to “apologize” for being late that you may not have come across yet!
How do Foil Arms and Hog comedians advise apologizing for being late for work in English?
See if you can figure out what their excuses are for being late for work. It should go easily, as the comedians play their roles very clearly.
If not – nothing lost!
Below you will find a transcription (and translation if you go to the version of the blog in your language).
And now learn how to apologize for being late for work in English like the pros!
How do the English apologize for being late for work?
The Blamer
(Generally, there is no such word.“To blame” means to blame, and in English by adding the ending -er we name the doer of the action: for example, to teach /teacher – to teach / teacher)
- They need to do something about that traffic circle. This is completely ridiculous.
The Gifter
- Did someone say coffee and donuts?
- Great!
The Daylight Saver
- You are an hour late.
- Not the clocks went back an hour.
- No, they went forward.
- Really?
The Judas
- You’re late.
- This is how I joined Tom’s pool. Do you remember last week? He was late four times!
- Really?
The Character Witness
- You’re late.
- Oh my goodness, this is so “not my style.”
The Reverse Psychologist
[Reversepsychology is a method of getting people to do something by showing that we ourselves supposedly don’t want it and don’t care about it at all.]
- But how upset I am at myself for being late! The first thing I did was not set the alarm clock correctly. I slammed the door behind me with the keys inside! I’m so pissed off at myself that I don’t think anyone else needs to be upset with me!
The Sudden Injury
- Oh!
The Disbeliever
- God, is this the hour? That, it’s not that late, or is it? Really? Unbelievable (he did not finish the word). It could… No…
The Funeral Attire
(The clothes you wuld wear for funeralals.)
The Quick Change
Full Disclosure
- I’m late. I was late because I overslept. I drank last night. I didn’t hear the alarm clock. It rang a second time and then I consciously turned it off and went further to sleep fully aware that I would be late because of it. Any questions?
English memes about being late for work
And finally some memes about being late for work, in English of course!
Boss: This is the third time you’ve been late for work this week. Do you know what it means? Me: (Meaning that it is) Wednesday?
If you are already late… Take your time… You can’t be late twice.
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When my boss asks me why I’m late for work:
“The Queen is never late. It’s just that everyone else is coming too soon.”
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.
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One can not only come late to work (and to be late for work as a result), but also stay late at work (stay longer than usual at work).
When your boss thanks you for staying longer at work and you just watched memes and lost track of time….
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To be late for work you must first have it! To have a good job you need to know English!
All scientific studies confirm the fact that with the knowledge of English, not only can we count on a more interesting and better-paid job (compared to a person in the same position who does not speak English), but the quality of our lives in general is also raised.
That’s why there is no need to wait!
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Why?
Because learning English at Speakingo is not only effective, but also fun!
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And did you happen to apologize for being late for work in English? Write about your experiences in the comments!
