Say it like this
- We run Scrum in our team
- Let's take a Scrum approach to this
- Our Scrum board is full this sprint
Use it at work
Process
- We use Scrum with two-week sprints.
- Is your team Scrum or kanban?
In an interview
- I've worked in Scrum teams for five years.
- How strict is Scrum here?
Improving
- Let's try lighter Scrum: fewer meetings.
- Scrum works well for this product team.
Don't say this
Scrum is a noun referring to a framework, not a verb meaning to rush or compress work quickly.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrum | Agile framework with sprints | Product teams | Planned work |
| kanban | Continuous flow, no sprints | Support, ops | Ongoing work |
| Agile | Overall approach to iterative work | Everyone | General term |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team wants to adopt an iterative project management approach. How do you say it?
2. Our _______ Master helps the team remove blockers and stay focused during each sprint.
3. Which sentence uses Scrum correctly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English: 'We organize our work using a system with short cycles, daily team meetings, and regular improvement discussions.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"We run Scrum in our team"
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More about scrum
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"Yesterday I fixed the login bug, today I'm starting the user profile feature, and I need help with database access."
- in a planning meeting
"We need to prioritize these user stories for the next scrum sprint."
- in a team meeting
"Our team adopted Scrum last quarter and our delivery speed has improved significantly."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse scrum (Agile framework) with a scrum (rugby formation). In tech, always refers to the methodology unless context is explicitly sports-related.
- ✕Scrum is just daily meetings.✓Scrum is a complete framework that includes sprints, ceremonies, roles, and continuous improvement.
Daily standups are only one part of Scrum. The framework encompasses much more.
- ✕Every team must use Scrum or they cannot be Agile.✓Scrum is one popular Agile framework, but other frameworks like Kanban also support Agile principles.
Scrum is not the only way to be Agile; it is one methodology among several.
Other forms(3)
- scrum noun
"Our development team uses Scrum for project management."
- Scrum Master noun
"The Scrum Master helps remove blockers and facilitates team ceremonies."
- Scrum adjective
"We follow Scrum practices and Scrum values."
Often used with(6)
- run Scrum · to use or implement Scrum methodology in a team
- Scrum sprint · the fixed iteration period, usually 1-4 weeks, in Scrum
- Scrum board · a visual tool showing tasks and their status in a sprint
- Scrum Master · the person who facilitates the Scrum process and removes blockers
- daily standup · the brief daily meeting where team members sync on progress
- sprint planning · the meeting at the start of a sprint to select work items
Similar words(3)
- Agile · Agile is the broader philosophy; Scrum is a specific framework for implementing Agile principles.
- Kanban · Kanban is another Agile framework, but it emphasizes continuous flow rather than time-boxed sprints.
- iterative development · Scrum is one approach to iterative development, but not all iterative development uses Scrum.
Opposites(3)
- Waterfall
- Gantt chart
- traditional project management
Questions(5)
- What does Scrum mean in software engineering?
- Scrum is an Agile framework for managing software projects through iterative cycles called sprints. Teams work in time-boxed periods (usually 1-4 weeks), hold daily standups to sync on progress, and have structured ceremonies for planning and improvement. It emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and continuous delivery.
- How do you use Scrum in a sentence at work?
- You can say: 'Our team runs Scrum with two-week sprints,' 'We follow Scrum methodology,' 'The Scrum Master scheduled the planning meeting,' or 'Our Scrum board shows all current tasks.' Scrum is typically used as a noun referring to the framework or system.
- Is Scrum formal or informal?
- Scrum is neutral in formality. It is a professional framework widely used in formal corporate environments, but the language and tone when discussing it can be casual or formal depending on context. For example, 'We adopted Scrum last quarter' is neutral, while 'Let us use Scrum for this project' is slightly more direct.
- What is the difference between Scrum and Agile?
- Agile is a broader philosophy and set of principles for software development. Scrum is one specific framework that implements Agile principles through sprints, ceremonies, and roles. Other frameworks like Kanban also implement Agile principles differently.
- What are the key Scrum ceremonies?
- The main Scrum ceremonies are: sprint planning (at the start of a sprint), daily standups (brief daily sync meetings), sprint review (demonstrate completed work), and sprint retrospective (reflect on process improvements).
