When you’re running late, communicating it effectively can make all the difference. Below are 20 alternative ways to say “I am running late today,” each with an example scenario to help express yourself politely and professionally.
If you’re running late and want to let someone know without using the same phrase repeatedly, consider saying “I’m delayed,” “I’m stuck in traffic,” or “I’ll be a bit behind schedule.” These alternatives convey your situation clearly and professionally, keeping your communication fresh and effective.
List Of Other Ways to Say ‘I Am Running Late Today’
- I’m Behind Schedule
- I’m Running Late
- I’m Delayed
- I Got Held Up
- I’m Stuck in Traffic
- I’ll Be There Shortly
- I’m Still Tied Up
- I Won’t Be Able to Make It on Time
- I’ve Hit a Snag
- I’m a Bit Behind
- I’ll Be Running Late Today
- I’m Caught Up in Something
- I’ve Had a Setback
- I’m Behind Schedule Today
- I’ve Been Held Back
- I’m Slightly Off Track
- I’ve Got a Late Start
- I’m Running Behind Today
- I’m Not Going to Make It on Time
- I’m Experiencing a Delay
1. I’m Behind Schedule
Scenario: Email to a colleague before a meeting
Subject: Running Behind Schedule
Hi Mia,
I wanted to let you know that I’m behind schedule this morning and might be a bit late to our meeting at 9 a.m. I’m aiming to be there by 9:15, but I’ll keep you updated if anything changes.
Apologies for the inconvenience,
Hannah
Addition: This phrase is useful in professional settings, subtly highlighting the delay without emphasizing tardiness.
2. I’m Running Late
Scenario: Text message to a friend
Hey Mia,
Just a heads up, I’m running late this morning and won’t make it until around 10:30, but I hope that’s okay!
Talk soon,
Hannah
Addition: A classic phrase that works well in casual and professional situations. It’s simple and gets the point across.
3. I’m Delayed
Scenario: Email to a client
Subject: Slight Delay for Today’s Meeting
Dear Mia,
I wanted to inform you that I am currently delayed and will arrive about 20 minutes after our scheduled start time. I appreciate your understanding and will ensure we cover everything when I arrive.
Best regards,
Hannah
Addition: This is a more formal way of expressing a delay. Use this in business settings when professionalism is key.
4. I Got Held Up
Scenario: Text to a friend you’re meeting for lunch
Hey Mia,
I’m sorry, but I got held up at the office. I’ll probably be there around 12:45. I hope that still works for you!
Best,
Hannah
Addition: This phrase adds a bit more context, suggesting that something external is causing the delay.
5. I’m Stuck in Traffic
Scenario: Message to a colleague before a meeting
Hi Mia,
Just wanted to let you know that I’m stuck in traffic and may be about 10 minutes late for our meeting today. I’ll keep you posted on my ETA.
Thanks for your patience!
Hannah
Addition: Traffic is a common reason for delays, and this phrase gives a clear, relatable reason for being late.
6. I’ll Be There Shortly
Scenario: Text to a friend at a coffee shop
Hi Mia,
Sorry, I’m running a bit behind, but I’ll be there shortly. Probably about 15 minutes late, if that’s okay.
See you soon,
Hannah
Addition: This phrasing emphasizes that you’re still on your way and won’t be too late, making it sound less alarming.
7. I’m Still Tied Up
Scenario: Quick text to a team member
Hey Mia,
I’m still tied up in a meeting, but I’ll be there as soon as possible. Looking like I’ll arrive by 3:15 instead of 3.
Thanks for understanding!
Hannah
Addition: This conveys that you’re busy with something specific, making the delay more understandable.
8. I Won’t Be Able to Make It on Time
Scenario: Email to a client for a scheduled call
Subject: Running Late for Our Call
Hi Mia,
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it on time for our call at 11 a.m. I’m estimating I’ll be about 15 minutes late. I hope this doesn’t disrupt your schedule too much.
Thank you for your patience,
Hannah
Addition: This is a more formal way of acknowledging a delay, often used when punctuality is highly expected.
9. I’ve Hit a Snag
Scenario: Message to a coworker
Hi Mia,
It looks like I’ve hit a snag on my way to the office. I’m working through it, but I’ll likely be about 20 minutes late for the meeting. I’ll keep you posted.
Apologies,
Hannah
Addition: This phrase implies that something unexpected has caused the delay but doesn’t focus too much on the cause.
10. I’m a Bit Behind
Scenario: Email to a project team
Subject: Running a Bit Behind
Hi Team,
I’m a bit behind this morning and will likely join our meeting about 10-15 minutes late. Please start without me, and I’ll catch up as soon as I arrive.
Thanks for your understanding,
Hannah
Addition: Use this when the delay is minor but worth mentioning, especially in group settings.
11. I’ll Be Running Late Today
Scenario: Morning message to a supervisor
Hi Mia,
I wanted to let you know that I’ll be running late today due to a personal appointment. I’m aiming to arrive by 10 a.m. at the latest. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Thank you for your understanding,
Hannah
Addition: This is a straightforward and polite way to notify someone of a planned delay, often used in workplace settings.
12. I’m Caught Up in Something
Scenario: Message to a friend before meeting up
Hey Mia,
I’m so sorry, but I’m caught up in something at the moment and will be late for dinner. I should be there by 7:30.
Hope that’s okay!
Hannah
Addition: This conveys that you’re busy without going into too much detail, leaving room for understanding without explanation.
13. I’ve Had a Setback
Scenario: Email to a manager
Subject: Running Late
Hi Mia,
I’ve had a setback this morning that has caused me to fall behind schedule. I’ll be arriving at work around 10:30 instead of the usual time.
Thank you for your patience,
Hannah
Addition: A professional way to indicate a challenge or obstacle that caused the delay.
14. I’m Behind Schedule Today
Scenario: Text to a contractor
Hi Mia,
I’m behind schedule today and might not be able to make it for our appointment at 2 p.m. I’m aiming for 2:30 if that works for you.
Apologies for the inconvenience!
Hannah
Addition: This emphasizes a delay within the day without focusing on what specifically caused it.
15. I’ve Been Held Back
Scenario: Email to a colleague for an afternoon meeting
Hi Mia,
I’ve been held back this afternoon and might not be able to join the meeting on time. I’ll likely arrive around 3:45. Please proceed without me, and I’ll catch up when I’m there.
Best regards,
Hannah
Addition: Use this when external factors are responsible for making you late, such as other tasks or meetings.
16. I’m Slightly Off Track
Scenario: Quick message to a friend before meeting
Hey Mia,
I’m slightly off track today and might arrive about 15 minutes late. I’ll see you soon!
Hannah
Addition: This is a casual, gentle way of expressing a minor delay without emphasizing lateness too much.
17. I’ve Got a Late Start
Scenario: Morning text to a friend
Hi Mia,
I’ve had a late start this morning, so I’ll be a bit late for brunch. Should arrive around 10:45 if that works!
Best,
Hannah
Addition: This phrasing is useful for early morning meetings or events when the delay is due to a later-than-planned beginning.
18. I’m Running Behind Today
Scenario: Email to a colleague about a team meeting
Subject: Running Behind Today
Hi Mia,
Just wanted to give you a heads-up that I’m running behind today and might not be able to make it to our 2 p.m. meeting on time. I should arrive by 2:15, but feel free to start without me.
Thanks for your understanding!
Hannah
Addition: This phrase is commonly used in professional settings when you’re generally running late for the day.
19. I’m Not Going to Make It on Time
Scenario: Email to a client
Subject: Running Late
Hi Mia,
I wanted to inform you that I’m not going to make it on time for our scheduled call today. I’ll likely be around 10 minutes late, but I’ll do my best to minimize the delay.
Thanks for your patience,
Hannah
Addition: This emphasizes that despite the best efforts, being on time won’t be possible, but you still show responsibility for the delay.
20. I’m Experiencing a Delay
Scenario: Message to a business partner
Hi Mia,
I’m currently experiencing a delay this morning and might arrive around 11:30 for our scheduled meeting. I appreciate your understanding and will make up for the lost time once I’m there.
Best regards,
Hannah
Addition: This professional phrase works well in formal settings, acknowledging the delay while keeping the tone polite.
