Quick Apology to a Friend
Arriving only a few minutes late to meet a friend at a café, you offer a brief apology and a quick reason.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
sorry
An expression used to apologize for something wrong, like being late. Say 'I'm sorry' to show regret.
late
Arriving after the expected time. For example, 'I'm late' means you arrived too late for a meeting.
traffic
The flow of vehicles on roads, often causing delays. 'Heavy traffic' means many cars and slow movement.
no worries
A casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry about it.' Used to reassure someone after an apology.
it happens
Means something is common or normal and not a big problem. Use it to comfort someone who apologizes.
in the mood for
Feeling like having or doing something. For example, 'I'm in the mood for coffee' means you want coffee now.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
So sorry I'm a few minutes late.
This is a polite apology for arriving late. 'So sorry' adds emphasis, and 'a few minutes' specifies the short delay. Use it in casual situations to start a conversation positively.
Traffic was a bit heavier than I expected.
An explanation for being late using a comparison with 'than.' 'A bit heavier' means slightly more than usual. This sentence gives a quick reason without too much detail, useful for everyday excuses.
No worries at all!
A friendly response to an apology, meaning it's completely fine. 'At all' strengthens the reassurance. Use this to make the other person feel better right away in informal settings.
It happens.
A simple way to say delays are normal. This short phrase accepts the situation without blame. It's useful for keeping the conversation light and moving forward.
What are you in the mood for?
Asks about someone's preference casually. This transitions from apology to the main topic, like ordering drinks. Use it to change the subject smoothly in social meetings.