Project updates: using the present continuous for ongoing work

B1
90 min
Premium
1

Think about these questions before you start. Share your ideas with a partner.

  1. Describe a project you are proud of from your work or studies. What made it successful?
  2. What are some common challenges when you work on a big project with a team?
  3. How do you usually share updates about your work with your manager or team (e.g., in meetings, by email)?
2

Project Update Meeting

Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.

3

Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.

01What project is Marco working on?
Sample answerHe is working on the new website design project.
02What phrase does Marco use to say that everything is going well so far?
Sample answerHe says 'So far, so good' and 'Everything is going according to plan'.
03Did Marco have any problems with the project? Explain.
Sample answerYes, he 'hit a small snag' with one of the images, but he says it's an easy fix.
04When does Marco expect to be finished with the design?
Sample answerHe expects to be done by Friday.
4

Key vocabulary for project updates

Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally when discussing your work.
Examples
Stay on track — to continue following the plan or schedule without delays.
A common phrase in business. You can say, 'We are staying on track to finish by Friday' or 'It's important to stay on track'.
Run into a problem — to experience an unexpected difficulty.
This is a natural way to talk about challenges. It's more common in conversation than 'encounter an issue'. For example, 'We ran into a problem with the software'.
Make progress — to move forward or improve on a task or project.
You can use adverbs to describe the progress, like 'We are making good progress' or 'We are making steady progress'.
So far, so good — an expression meaning that everything has been successful up to now.
This is a friendly, common phrase for a positive update when a project isn't finished yet. For example, 'How's the report coming along?' 'So far, so good.'
The next step — the next action in a series of actions or in a plan.
Use this to clearly state what will happen next. It's very useful in meetings to show you have a plan. For example, 'The next step is to get feedback from the team'.
5

Key project vocabulary

Learn some common words and phrases for talking about projects at work.

Match each term on the left with its correct definition on the right.

Drag or click to match
Definitions
6

Grammar: Present simple vs. present continuous

Grammar
We use the present simple to talk about routines, habits, and facts about our work. We use the present continuous to describe actions happening now or temporary situations, which is perfect for giving updates on current projects.
Examples
I'm currently preparing the report for the quarterly review.
Use the present continuous for a specific, temporary action happening around now.
Our team develops new software features every quarter.
Use the present simple to describe a regular, repeated action or a general responsibility.
She usually handles client communication, but this month she's helping the development team.
Time expressions like 'usually' (simple) and 'this month' (continuous) often signal which tense to use.
Key points
  • Use present simple for routines, facts, and permanent job duties.
  • Use present continuous for actions happening now and for temporary projects.
  • Avoid using stative verbs (like know, need, believe) in the continuous form.
7

Find the mistake

Read the sentences below about project updates.

Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.

01Right now, my team works on the new marketing campaign.
Corrected version
Right now, my team works is working on the new marketing campaign.
02We are doing good progress on the project this week.
Corrected version
We are doing making good progress on the project this week.
03The next step are to test the new software.
Corrected version
The next step are is to test the new software.
04I am usually reporting to my manager every Friday morning.
Corrected version
I am usually reporting report to my manager every Friday morning.
05We need to handle this situation very careful to stay on track.
Corrected version
We need to handle this situation very careful carefully to stay on track.
06We ran into a problem, so we must discuss it on the next meeting.
Corrected version
We ran into a problem, so we must discuss it on in the next meeting.
07We plan to lauch the new product in the second quarter.
Corrected version
We plan to lauch launch the new product in the second quarter.
8

Useful phrases: giving a project update

Vocabulary
Here are some practical phrases for when your manager asks for an update on your work in a team meeting. These will help you sound clear and professional.
Examples
At the moment, I'm focusing on [task name]. — to state your main priority right now.
Register: neutral/formal. This is a perfect way to start your update. It uses the present continuous to talk about a current, ongoing action.
Everything is going according to plan. — to say that the project is on schedule and has no problems.
Register: neutral. Use this when you have good news to share. It's a positive and professional way to say you are 'staying on track'.
We've hit a small snag with [the problem]. — to introduce a minor problem or difficulty in a natural way.
Register: neutral/informal. A 'snag' is a small, unexpected problem. This phrase sounds less serious than saying 'we have a big problem'.
I'm just about to start on the [next task]. — to talk about what you will do in the very near future.
Register: neutral. This shows your manager you have a clear plan for your 'next step' and are ready to begin.
I should be done by [date/time]. — to give an estimated time or date for finishing a task.
Register: neutral. Using 'should' is a good way to give an estimate when you are confident but not 100% certain. It's softer than saying 'I will be done by...'.
I'll get right on that. — to agree to do a new task immediately.
Register: neutral/informal. Use this when your manager gives you a new action point in the meeting. It shows you are proactive and responsive.
9

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01We are making good on the new software, and we expect to finish it next month.
02It's important to stay on if we want to launch the product by the summer.
03We ran into a small with the supplier, but we have already solved it.
04Now that we have finished the research, the next is to create a prototype.
05I'm working hard to finish my report before the on Friday.
10

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. Think about a time you had to juggle several tasks at once. What strategies did you use to stay on track and make progress on all of them?
  2. Imagine you run into a problem with a project. Is it better to tell your manager immediately, or should you try to solve it yourself first before giving an update? What are the pros and cons of each approach?
  3. How is technology changing the way teams handle projects and communicate updates? Do you think tools like project management software help teams stay on track better, or do they create more work?