Are you often late? Will your lateness annoy those around you? Maybe it's not your fault to be late! This article discusses why people are punctual or late.
Vocabulary: punctuality punctuality
As the saying goes, ‘time waits for no man’. Time is always against us, and we just can’t stop it. Maybe that’s why some of us are always running late for appointments. But if timekeeping is not what you’re good at, don’t stress. There might be a good reason for your lack of punctuality.
As the saying goes, " time does not wait for people ". Time always goes against us and we can't stop it. Maybe that's why some of us are always late for dating . But if timing is not what you are good at, don't be nervous. You may have good reason not to be punctual.
People’s attitudes to being on time vary. Some clock-watch and make sure they’re bang on time for a meeting. It is, after all, rude to be late, and if you can make it on time, why can’t everyone else? But if, like me, you want to make every second countytml9, you might try to squeeze as much as you can into the time you have available. However, when your schedule doesn’t run to plan, your punctuality inevitably slips.
People’s ’s attitude towards is different. Some people keep looking at the watch and make sure they have a meeting on time. After all, being late is impolite. If you can arrive on time, why can't others? But if, like me, you want to be every second, you might try to squeeze as much time as you have time. However, when your schedule is not going as planned, your punctuality inevitably drops.
People who lack promptness have been described as ‘time benders’. Author Grace Pacie told the BBC that “they’re the people who don’t want to be late, but they have a strange resistance to being early, and they don’t allow enough time.” They assume their journey to an appointment will always go smoothly, and the train will always be on time!
People who lack timeliness are described as " time distorting ". Writer Grace Pacie told BBC, "They are people who don't want to be late, but they have a weird resistance to getting up early and they don't have enough time." They think their date trip will always go smoothly and the train is always on time!
Perceptions of unpunctual people are almost always negative – even if sometimes wrong. Writing for the BBC, Laura Clarke says: “Being consistently late might not be your fault. It could be your type. The punctually-challenged often share personality characteristics, such as optimism, low levels of self-control, anxiety, or a penchant for thrill-seeking, experts say. It is also possible people are late so not to be conspicuous and to avoid the anxious wait for others to turn up.
's view of people who are not punctual is almost always negative—even if sometimes wrong. Laura Clark wrote for the BBC: "It may not be your fault that you are late all the time." It might be your type. Experts say on time challenger usually shares personality traits such as optimism, low self-control, anxiety or like to seek stimulation. It is also possible that people are late, so don't be too conspicuous and avoid anxiously waiting for others to appear.
Maybe us latecomers should make more of an effort and follow the advice I heard to not 'try' to be on time but 'decide' to be on time. But I know if a meeting or a deadline really matters, then I’ll be there. Otherwise relax, even if others are cursing you!
But I know if the meeting or deadline is really important, I'll go. Otherwise, let's relax, even if others are scolding you!
Glossary
time waits for no man
running late
timekeeping punctual
be on time
clock-watch keep looking at the table
bang on time very punctual, just on time
make every second count
schedule scheduling schedule
promptness punctual
time bender "People who bend time" always want to do too much in a limited time, which leads to people who are often late for
unpunctual
punctual
punctual
penchant tends to
conspicuous
latecomer
deadline deadline deadline
test and practice
1. Read the text and answer questions.
1. What do people who are often late try to do with their time?
2. True or false? According to the article, unpunctual people always have a negative attitude.
3. Why might someone not want to be on time at a meeting?
4. According to some advice, what should latecomers do instead of just trying to be on time?
5. What does author Grace Pacie think time brewers have a resistance to?
2. Select the word or phrase with the appropriate meaning to complete the following sentences.
1. After her boss warned her about her _______, she’s been early for every meeting.
timekeeping latecomer clock-watching deadline
2. I felt very ________ in the office because I was the only one wearing a suit!
resistant conspicuous perception punctual
3. I was _______ for my flight departure only to find it was cancelled!
banging time bang in time bang on time banging on time
4. According to the _______, there should be a bus leaving in ten minutes.
punctuality schedule promptness deadline
5. Roy is _______, so let’s go ahead and watch the film. He can catch up later.
running later late running running late ran late
answer
1. Read the text and answer the questions.
1. What do people who are often late try to do with their time?
They want to squeeze as much as they can into the time available.
2. True or false? According to the article, unpunctual people always have a negative attitude.False. Perceptions of unpunctual people are almost always negative – even if sometimes wrong.
3. Why might someone not want to be on time at a meeting?
Some people are late to a meeting so not to be conspicuous and avoid the anxious wait for others to turn up.
4. According to some advice, what should latecomers do instead of just trying to be on time?
Instead of trying to be on time, they should decide to be on time.
5. What does author Grace Pacie think time brews have a resistance to?
Grace Pacie says “they have a strange resistance to being early and they don’t allow enough time.”
2. Select the word or phrase with the appropriate meaning to complete the following sentence.
1. After her boss warned her about her timekeeping, she’s been early for every meeting.
2. I felt very conspicuous in the office because I was the only one wearing a suit!
3. I was bang on time for my flight department only to find it was cancelled!
4. According to the schedule, there should be a bus leaving in ten minutes.
5. Roy is running late, so let’s go ahead and watch the film. He can catch up later.
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