When to send it
Send it before your start time, as soon as you know. The same message sent after you should have arrived lands very differently. If you have a 9 a.m. meeting, tell the organizer too.
Three things to include
- One line of fact — why you’re late. Don’t over-explain.
- Arrival time — "arriving 9:40" beats "running a bit late".
- Your plan — what happens to the meeting or urgent task.
Example messages
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Train delay | Hi Sam, my train is delayed and I’ll be in around 9:30. Please start the 9:00 without me and I’ll join as soon as I arrive. |
| Childcare | Hi Sam, a problem with school drop-off means I’ll be in at 10. The morning report will still be with you by 11. |
| Unwell | Hi Sam, I’m not feeling well and am seeing a doctor first; I expect to be in by 11 and will keep an eye on chat for anything urgent. |
Phrases to avoid
- "Running a bit late" — no idea how late
- A long backstory — reads like an excuse
- Messaging after you’re already late — the most common mistake
Polishing it in the app
Filter to Late
Set the situation filter above the wheel in Excuse Maker to Late and only lateness reasons come up. Each has a "What you’d actually say" line you can use as a template.
Rewrite
Rewrite on the result card turns the same line into To your boss, To a coworker or Chat style. Once a day is free; after that, one ad per extra use.
FAQ
Call or text?
Follow your workplace’s rule. If there isn’t one, message first, and call as well if you’re missing a meeting or will be very late.
Can I prove a transit delay?
Many operators issue delay certificates. See getting a transit delay certificate.
Office Excuse Maker Roulette
No sign-up, fully offline, made for fun. Free on Android.