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Giving a status update in English

How to give a quick update when someone asks how your work is going.

The textbook way: people will understand, but it isn't what they say
I am doing it. Very busy.
What people actually say ↓

Full script

Them
Hi Lin, how's the project going?
Lin
It's going well. We're on track.
Them
Great! Any blockers?
Lin
Just one. We're waiting on the design files.
Them
Okay, I'll follow up with them.
Lin
Thanks! I'll keep you posted.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Manager asks: How's the project going?
✗ I am doing it. Very busy.
✓ We're on track.

Use this for normal progress.

If behind, say: We're a bit behind.

Common in stand-up meetings
✓ Any blockers?

Is anything blocking progress?

blocker = problem stopping progress

If there is one, say what you're waiting for
✓ We're waiting on the designs.

Say this when something has not arrived yet.

wait on = wait for something to arrive

Help your manager feel informed
✓ I'll keep you posted.

Use this to promise updates.

keep sb posted = keep someone updated

Quick answers

Manager asks “How's the project going”: what to say in English

Say “We're on track.” — use this for normal progress. If behind, say: We're a bit behind.

Common in stand-up meetings: what to say in English

Say “Any blockers?” — is anything blocking progress. blocker = problem stopping progress.

If there is one, say what you're waiting for: what to say in English

Say “We're waiting on the designs.” — say this when something has not arrived yet. wait on = wait for something to arrive.

Help your manager feel informed: what to say in English

Say “I'll keep you posted.” — use this to promise updates. keep sb posted = keep someone updated.

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