Punctuality is essential in professional settings, but delays happen. How you communicate being late can impact trust and professionalism.
In this article, we’ll explore professional ways to say ‘I will be late’, each with examples to help you handle these situations gracefully and maintain a positive impression.
List Of Ways to Say ‘I Will Be Late’
- I’m Running a Few Minutes Behind
- I Will Be Delayed
- I Apologize for the Delay, I’m on My Way
- I’m Experiencing Some Delays and Will Be Late
- I’ll Be Arriving Later Than Expected
- I’m Stuck in Traffic, Running Late
- I’m Delayed, but I’ll Be There Soon
- I Need to Inform You I’ll Be Late Today
- I’m Behind Schedule, but Heading Over Now
- I’ll Be Arriving a Bit Late, but Will Make Up the Time
- Due to an Unforeseen Issue, I Will Be Late
- Apologies, I’ll Be Late to Our Meeting
- I’m Late Due to a Prior Commitment
- I’m Running Behind but Will Arrive Shortly
- I’m Afraid I’m Going to Be Late
- Unfortunately, I Will Be Arriving Late
- I Will Be Late, but I Am Resolving the Issue
1. I’m Running Behind Schedule
Subject: Running Behind Schedule
Dear Mia,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to inform you that I’m running behind schedule due to unexpected traffic on my way to the meeting. I estimate that I will arrive approximately 15 minutes late. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Please feel free to start the meeting without me; I will catch up as soon as I arrive.
Thank you for your patience.
Best regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: When you use this phrase, it’s essential to communicate as early as possible. Acknowledging the delay shows respect for others’ time and allows them to adjust their plans accordingly.
2. I’m Delayed Due to Traffic
Subject: Delayed Due to Traffic
Hi Mia,
I wanted to give you a quick update that I’m currently delayed due to traffic. I am doing my best to reach the venue as soon as possible. I anticipate arriving about 20 minutes late.
I appreciate your understanding and look forward to joining the discussion.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Specifying the reason for your delay, such as traffic, adds context and makes your message more relatable. It shows that your lateness is not due to negligence but an unavoidable circumstance.
3. I’m Running Late Because of an Appointment
Subject: Running Late Due to Appointment
Dear Mia,
I wanted to let you know that I am running late because my previous appointment ran longer than expected. I should be there in about 30 minutes.
I apologize for any disruption this may cause and will make every effort to minimize the delay.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Citing a prior commitment helps clarify your situation. It can also foster empathy from the recipient, making them more likely to be forgiving of your delay.
4. I’m Experiencing Unforeseen Circumstances
Subject: Unforeseen Circumstances
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. Unfortunately, I’m experiencing unforeseen circumstances that will delay my arrival. I estimate that I will be 30-40 minutes late.
I appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. I will keep you updated as I get closer to the venue.
Best regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Using phrases like “unforeseen circumstances” acknowledges that life can be unpredictable. This phrase also conveys a professional tone while allowing room for flexibility in the situation.
5. I’m Delayed Because of a Prior Engagement
Subject: Delay Due to Prior Engagement
Dear Mia,
I wanted to inform you that I am delayed because of a prior engagement that has taken longer than anticipated. I expect to arrive about 25 minutes late.
Thank you for your understanding. I will make sure to join you as soon as I can.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Insight: This phrase maintains professionalism while indicating that your prior commitment was legitimate. It also emphasizes your intent to prioritize the meeting despite the delay.
6. I’m Late Due to an Emergency Situation
Subject: Late Due to Emergency
Hi Mia,
I hope you are well. I’m reaching out to let you know that I’m late due to an emergency situation that I needed to address. I estimate that I will be there in about 45 minutes.
I sincerely apologize for this unforeseen circumstance and appreciate your understanding.
Warm regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: While mentioning an emergency, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between being informative and not oversharing. This phrase can elicit empathy while still sounding professional.
7. I’m Running Late, Please Start Without Me
Subject: Running Late – Start Without Me
Dear Mia,
I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I’m running late for our meeting. Please feel free to start without me; I will join as soon as I arrive, which I estimate will be about 20 minutes.
Thank you for your understanding!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Insight: This phrase shows that you respect others’ time and are willing to let them proceed without you, demonstrating professionalism and reliability.
8. I’m Delayed Due to a Last-Minute Issue
Subject: Delay Due to Last-Minute Issue
Hi Mia,
I hope this message finds you well. Unfortunately, I’m delayed due to a last-minute issue that required my attention. I expect to arrive around 35 minutes late.
I apologize for any inconvenience and will do my best to get there as quickly as possible.
Best regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Acknowledging a last-minute issue shows accountability. It’s essential to assure the recipient that you are doing everything possible to resolve the situation quickly.
9. I Will Arrive Late Due to Unexpected Delays
Subject: Arrival Delay
Dear Mia,
I wanted to inform you that I will arrive late due to unexpected delays on my route. I’m anticipating being about 30 minutes late.
Thank you for your understanding. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.
Warm regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: This phrase is effective for situations beyond your control. It emphasizes that you’re actively working to resolve the issue while keeping the recipient informed.
10. I Apologize for the Delay
Subject: Apology for Delay
Hi Mia,
I wanted to reach out and apologize for the delay in my arrival. I am currently held up and expect to be about 15-20 minutes late.
Thank you for your understanding, and I will be with you shortly.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Insight: A straightforward apology often resonates well with recipients. It conveys sincerity and accountability, which are vital in professional communication.
11. I’m Late Due to a Scheduling Conflict
Subject: Delay Due to Scheduling Conflict
Dear Mia,
I wanted to let you know that I’m late due to a scheduling conflict that has taken longer than anticipated. I expect to arrive in about 30 minutes.
I appreciate your patience and will join you as soon as I can.
Best regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Mentioning a scheduling conflict emphasizes the importance of time management and conveys that your delay is not due to negligence.
12. I’m Running Late, Please Bear with Me
Subject: Running Late – Please Bear with Me
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m running late, and I kindly ask that you bear with me as I navigate my way through some unexpected delays. I anticipate arriving approximately 20 minutes late.
Thank you for your understanding!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Insight: This phrase strikes a balance between professionalism and friendliness. It shows that you acknowledge the inconvenience while inviting patience from the recipient.
13. I’m Delayed and Apologize for the Inconvenience
Subject: Delay Notification
Dear Mia,
I wanted to reach out and inform you that I am currently delayed and apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. I expect to be 30-40 minutes late.
Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your patience.
Warm regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Apologizing for the inconvenience adds a layer of professionalism. It acknowledges the recipient’s time and conveys your commitment to making things right.
14. I’ll Be Late, But I’m on My Way
Subject: On My Way – Running Late
Hi Mia,
Just a quick note to say that I’ll be late, but I’m on my way. I expect to arrive in about 15-20 minutes.
Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to joining you soon.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Insight: This phrase communicates urgency and commitment, assuring the recipient that you are still prioritizing the meeting despite the delay.
15. I’m Delayed, and I Appreciate Your Patience
Subject: Delay Notification
Dear Mia,
I wanted to let you know that I’m delayed and appreciate your patience during this time. I anticipate being about 30 minutes late to our meeting.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Acknowledging the recipient’s patience reinforces positive relationships and demonstrates that you value their time.
16. I’m Late, and I’ll Update You Soon
Subject: Late Arrival Notification
Hi Mia,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m currently late and will provide you with an update as soon as I can. I expect to arrive about 25 minutes late.
Thank you for your understanding!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Insight: Keeping the recipient updated on your status can help manage their expectations and show that you are proactive.
17. I’m Delayed, but I’m Making Every Effort to Arrive Soon
Subject: Delay Notification
Dear Mia,
I wanted to inform you that I am delayed, but I’m making every effort to arrive soon. I estimate being about 30 minutes late.
Thank you for your understanding, and I will see you shortly.
Warm regards,
Hannah
Expert Insight: This phrase emphasizes your commitment to resolving the issue and conveys determination, which can enhance your professional image.
Conclusion
This outline includes a total of phrases with scenario examples, expert insights, and emphasizes the importance of communication in professional settings. If you have any specific changes or need additional information, feel free to let me know.
