Here are several ways to continue the sentence "The doctor phoned the nurse because she was late," each with a slightly different implication:

**Focusing on the reason for the call:**

* **...and he needed her to assist with an emergency surgery.** (Urgency)
* **...and he wanted to know if she was still coming in for her shift.** (Concern/Confirmation)
* **...and they had an important patient consultation scheduled.** (Responsibility)
* **...and he was worried about her unexpected absence.** (Care/Worry)
* **...and he couldn't find the patient's updated chart without her.** (Practical Need)
* **...and he had a critical question about a patient's medication.** (Information gap)

**Focusing on the nurse's response/action:**

* **...and she immediately apologized, explaining her car had broken down.** (Explanation/Regret)
* **...and she assured him she was only five minutes away.** (Reassurance)
* **...but there was no answer, making him wonder if something was wrong.** (Uncertainty)
* **...and she said she'd be there as soon as possible, caught in unexpected traffic.** (Commitment/Obstacle)

**Adding more narrative detail:**

* **...and he fumed silently, knowing the whole morning schedule would now be delayed.** (Frustration)
* **...and the sudden ring startled the other staff in the busy ward.** (Impact)
* **...and a wave of relief washed over him when she finally picked up.** (Emotional response)

Choose the continuation that best fits the story or scenario you have in mind!
