WorkBeginner
Giving a status update in English (beginner)
Beginner English for giving a status update. Key line: “Can I give you a quick update?”
Full script
Lin
Can I give you a quick update?
Them
Sure, how's the report going?
Lin
It's almost done. I need ten more minutes.
Them
Great. Is the chart ready too?
Lin
Yes, the chart is ready. The printer isn't.
Them
No problem. We can share my copy.
Lin
Thanks. My printer takes breaks all day.
Them
Then it needs a status update too.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Start politely
✓ Can I give you a quick update?Ask to share progress
Ask if they have time first
Ask about progress
✓ How's the report going?Ask about progress
how's...going is very common
Almost finished
✓ It's almost done.Nearly finished.
More natural than I'm doing it
Need more time
✓ I need ten more minutes.I need 10 more minutes.
Change the time: five, ten...
Quick answers
Start politely: what to say in English
Say “Can I give you a quick update?” — ask to share progress. Ask if they have time first.
Ask about progress: what to say in English
Say “How's the report going?” — ask about progress. how's...going is very common.
Almost finished: what to say in English
Say “It's almost done.” — nearly finished. More natural than I'm doing it.
Need more time: what to say in English
Say “I need ten more minutes.” — i need 10 more minutes. Change the time: five, ten...