When it comes to running late, we all need to inform someone, whether it’s in a professional or personal setting. But simply saying “I’m late” can sometimes feel too blunt or repetitive.
Discover creative and polite ways to say “I’m late” in English! From casual apologies to professional explanations, this guide offers phrases suited for every situation, ensuring you express yourself effectively while maintaining relationships and credibility.
There are plenty of other ways to communicate that you’re running behind, and choosing the right one depends on the tone and context of your message.
Here, I’ll share different ways to say “I’m late”, along with scenario examples that you can use in emails, texts, or conversations.
Each alternative not only softens the message but also adds variety to your language, ensuring you maintain professionalism, sincerity, or even humour when needed.
List Of Different Ways to Say ‘I’m Late’ in English
- I’m running a bit behind
- I’ve been delayed
- I’m caught in traffic
- I’m behind schedule
- I’m sorry for the delay
- I’m running late
- I got held up
- I’m running behind
- I had an unexpected delay
- I’m a little behind
- I’ll be there shortly
- I had a last-minute emergency
- I’m stuck in a meeting
- Something came up
- I’m not going to make it on time
- I’m running later than expected
1. I’m Running a Bit Behind
This phrase is great for informal or professional contexts. It softens the admission of being late and implies you’re still making your way.
Example Email: Subject: Running Late for Our Meeting
Hi Mia,
I wanted to let you know that I’m running a bit behind this morning due to unexpected traffic. I should be there within the next 15 minutes. Apologies for the inconvenience, and thank you for your patience.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Use this phrase when you’re only slightly delayed and want to keep the tone light and casual.
2. I’ve Been Delayed
This formal phrase is ideal for business settings, conveying that external factors are the reason for the delay without sounding unprofessional.
Example Email: Subject: Delayed Arrival for Client Meeting
Dear Mia,
I’ve encountered an unexpected delay due to a last-minute project request from another client. I’m sorry to say that I’ve been delayed and will need about 20 more minutes to arrive. Please go ahead and start without me, and I’ll catch up as soon as I’m there.
Best regards,
Hannah
Expert Tip: This is perfect for more formal settings, especially when you don’t want to make it sound like your own fault for running late.
3. I’m Caught in Traffic
Commonly used in urban environments, this phrase explains and is relatable to most people.
Example Text: Hi Mia,
I’m caught in traffic and moving slower than expected. I’ll be about 10-15 minutes late. I’ll keep you updated on my progress. Sorry for the delay!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: This phrase is useful when traffic genuinely is the issue. It conveys that you’re on your way and will arrive soon.
4. I’m Behind Schedule
A professional phrase that works well when discussing deadlines or meetings.
Example Email: Subject: Project Update – Behind Schedule
Hi Mia,
I just wanted to inform you that I’m behind schedule on the report due to some unforeseen issues with the data. I’m working hard to catch up and should have it to you by the end of the day. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Use this in professional settings when you’re talking about deadlines, not just physical arrival.
5. I’m Sorry for the Delay
This is a polite and more formal apology that focuses on taking responsibility for the tardiness.
Example Email: Subject: Apologies for My Late Arrival
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m sorry for the delay in joining the meeting this morning. A last-minute issue came up that required my immediate attention. I appreciate your understanding and will join as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Expert Tip: This phrase is an appropriate way to maintain professionalism while also emphasizing accountability.
6. I’m Running Late
A direct but common phrase, best used in more informal contexts where brevity is appreciated.
Example Text: Hi Mia,
Just a quick heads-up—I’m running late and will be there in about 15 minutes. Hope that’s okay. Talk soon!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Use this when you don’t need to go into too much detail but still want to communicate quickly.
7. I Got Held Up
This phrase is suitable for informal or semi-formal settings and usually implies that something unexpected came up.
Example Email: Subject: Apologies – Got Held Up
Hi Mia,
I hope all is well. I got held up by a last-minute issue and will be about 20 minutes late for our meeting. Please feel free to start without me, and I’ll join as soon as I can.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: This phrase is ideal when the delay was out of your control and you want to be casual but still polite.
8. I’m Running Behind
A slight variation on “I’m running late,” this phrase sounds a bit more conversational but still conveys the same message.
Example Text: Hi Mia,
I just wanted to let you know that I’m running behind this morning. I should be there in about 20 minutes. Apologies for the inconvenience!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: This phrase adds a slight degree of softness, making it more suitable for casual professional exchanges.
9. I Had an Unexpected Delay
This phrase takes the focus off you and places it on an external factor, softening the impact of being late.
Example Email: Subject: Apologies for the Late Arrival
Hi Mia,
Unfortunately, I had an unexpected delay this morning that will push my arrival time back by about 30 minutes. Please accept my apologies, and I’ll make sure to catch up as soon as I’m there.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Use this when you don’t want to provide specific details but still need to convey a sense of professionalism.
10. I’m a Little Behind
A softer, informal version that works well in casual professional environments.
Example Text: Hi Mia,
I’m a little behind today and will need an extra 10-15 minutes before I can join the meeting. Sorry for the delay!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: This phrase is ideal for those situations where the delay is minor but you still want to give a heads-up.
11. I’ll Be There Shortly
This is a more optimistic phrase that conveys you’ll be there soon.
Example Email: Subject: On My Way – Will Be There Shortly
Hi Mia,
Just wanted to let you know that I’m running a little late, but I’ll be there shortly. Thank you for your patience, and I’ll catch up as soon as I arrive.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Use this when you’re already en route but need to assure the recipient that you won’t be too long.
12. I Had a Last-Minute Emergency
Perfect for situations where something truly urgent or unforeseen happened, this phrase shows that the delay was unavoidable.
Example Email: Subject: Apologies – Last-Minute Emergency
Hi Mia,
I’m very sorry, but I had a last-minute emergency that I needed to deal with. I’ll be joining the meeting as soon as I can, and I appreciate your understanding.
Best regards,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Only use this if it’s true! It conveys urgency but should be reserved for real emergencies.
13. I’m Stuck in a Meeting
Ideal for when you’re delayed due to another professional commitment.
Example Text: Hi Mia,
I’m still in a meeting that’s running over, so I’m stuck at the moment. I’ll head over as soon as I can, hopefully within 20 minutes. Sorry for the wait!
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Use this phrase to acknowledge professional delays without making it seem like your fault.
14. Something Came Up
A vague phrase that can be used when you don’t want to go into detail about why you’re late.
Example Text: Hi Mia,
Something came up last minute, and I’m running a bit late. I’ll be there in about 10 minutes. Thank you for your patience.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Keep this one short and vague, especially if you don’t feel the need to explain the reason.
15. I’m Not Going to Make It on Time
This phrase takes responsibility for the delay and sets the expectation that you’ll be late.
Example Email: Subject: Delay – Won’t Make It on Time
Hi Mia,
I’m afraid I’m not going to make it on time for our meeting this afternoon due to an unexpected project review. I’m running about 30 minutes late but will be there as soon as possible.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: This is a more honest and direct approach when you’re significantly delayed.
16. I’m Running Later Than Expected
This phrase works well when you initially thought you’d be on time but things changed.
Example Text: Hi Mia,
Just a quick note—I’m running later than expected. I’ll be there in about 20 minutes. Thank you for waiting.
Best,
Hannah
Expert Tip: Use this when things don’t go according to plan, but you still want to maintain transparency.
