student asking question

Is there any nuance difference between saying "I'm so late" and "I'm too late"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"I'm so late" implies that one is very tardy for something, like to a party. "I'm too late" is much stronger and implies that one is so late that there is no hope, like being too late to board a flight. Ex: I'm so late for Sarah's birthday party. I hope she won't be angry. Ex: I'm sorry Sir, we cannot let you board this flight. You are too late and the plane has already began takeoff procedures.

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