[{"role": "user", "content": "I'm writing an apology letter to an Italian friend and I'm not sure how to phrase it, can you help me translate 'I was late' into Italian?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "The translation for 'I was late' in Italian is 'Io ero in ritardo.' You can use this in your apology letter to express your regret for being late."}, {"role": "user", "content": "That's perfect, grazie mille! I really appreciate your help. Is there a way to make it sound more formal in the letter?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "For a more formal tone, you can use 'Mi scuso per il ritardo' which translates to 'I apologize for the delay'. You can also use 'Sono spiacente di essere arrivato in ritardo' which means 'I am sorry for arriving late'. These phrases will convey a more formal and polite tone in your apology letter."}]