Apology for a Minor Misunderstanding
You miscalculated the travel time or got slightly lost, leading to being a bit late, and need to gently explain.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
misjudged
To estimate or guess something incorrectly, like time or distance. Use it when you made a wrong calculation, e.g., 'I misjudged how long the trip would take.'
traffic
The flow of vehicles on roads, often causing delays. Common in urban areas; say 'heavy traffic' for busy roads.
no worries
An informal way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry about it.' Very common in casual English to reassure someone.
relief
A feeling of comfort when worry or stress ends. Use after hearing good news, like 'What a relief!'
roadworks
Construction or repairs on roads that can cause delays. British English term; in American English, it's often 'road construction.'
popping up
Appearing suddenly or unexpectedly, like problems. Use for things that happen without warning, e.g., 'Stores are popping up everywhere.'
made it
Arrived successfully, often after difficulty. Casual phrase for reaching a place on time or at all, e.g., 'I finally made it!'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
So sorry I'm a few minutes late.
A polite way to apologize for small delays. 'So sorry' adds emphasis to 'sorry'; use in casual situations to show regret without overdoing it. Simple present tense for current state.
No worries at all!
Reassures someone that their lateness is not a problem. 'No worries' is idiomatic and very common in friendly conversations; 'at all' strengthens the dismissal of concern.
Phew, that's a relief!
Expresses relief after stress, like being forgiven for being late. 'Phew' is an exclamation sound; useful for casual talks to show you're happy it's okay. Present tense for immediate feeling.
Yeah, it happens.
Acknowledges that something is common and not surprising, like traffic delays. 'Yeah' is informal for 'yes'; great for empathetic responses in everyday chats.
Glad you made it though!
Shows happiness that someone arrived despite issues. 'Glad' means happy; 'though' adds contrast to the problem mentioned earlier. Useful to end positively.
What have I missed?
Asks about updates after being late. Present perfect 'have missed' implies recent events; polite way to catch up without seeming uninterested.