Say it like this
- Let me give you a quick status update on the deployment.
- I will provide a status update at the end of the week.
- We need a status update from the QA team before we proceed.
Use it at work
Writing one
- Status update: login is done, payments are in review, no blockers.
- Quick status update: we're on track for Friday.
Asking
- Can you send a status update to the client?
- Any status update on the migration?
Regular updates
- I send a status update every Friday.
- Let's keep status updates short.
Don't say this
Status update is a noun, not a verb. Use 'give', 'provide', or 'share' before it.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| status update | Report on progress | Anyone | Regularly |
| standup | Daily spoken update | Team | Every day |
| exec summary | Short summary for leaders | Leads | Reports |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your manager asks about your project progress. What is the most natural way to respond?
2. During the standup, Sarah provided a _______ on the mobile app redesign project.
3. Which sentence uses 'status update' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite using 'status update': 'Please tell me what you have done and what you are planning to do next on this feature.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Let me give you a quick status update on the deployment."
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More about status update
Real examples(3)
- in a standup meeting
"Yesterday I fixed the login bug, today I'm working on the payment integration, and I should be done by Friday."
- in an email
"Here is my status update: the API refactoring is 80% complete, but we discovered a performance issue that needs investigation."
- in a team sync
"Can everyone give a quick status update on their assigned tickets?"
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not use as a verb form like 'I will status update the team' - use 'give a status update' or 'provide a status update' instead.
- ✕The status update is very long and detailed with all technical specifications.✓The status update is brief and highlights completed work, current progress, and blockers.
Status updates should be concise and focus on outcomes, not technical minutiae.
- ✕We do not need status updates because everyone reads the project management tool.✓Status updates in meetings help ensure everyone understands progress and can address blockers together.
Status updates serve a communication and alignment purpose beyond just documentation.
Other forms(2)
- status update noun
"I gave a status update during the team meeting."
- status updates noun
"We collect status updates from all departments every Friday."
Often used with(5)
- give a status update · The most common verb collocation; means to deliver or communicate the update.
- provide a status update · Formal alternative to 'give'; commonly used in written communication and professional settings.
- quick status update · Indicates a brief, informal update, often used in standup meetings or Slack messages.
- status update meeting · A scheduled meeting specifically for sharing status updates with the team or stakeholders.
- weekly status update · A status update delivered once per week, common format in tech teams.
Similar words(3)
- progress report · More formal alternative; emphasizes progress made over a period.
- update · Shorter, more general term; can refer to any new information.
- standup · Refers specifically to the daily brief meeting where status updates are shared.
Opposites(2)
- silence
- no communication
Questions(5)
- What should I include in a status update?
- A good status update should include: (1) what you completed since the last update, (2) what you are currently working on, (3) what you plan to do next, and (4) any blockers or challenges you are facing. Keep it brief and focused on outcomes.
- How long should a status update be?
- In a standup meeting, aim for 1-2 minutes per person. In written form (email or Slack), keep it to 3-5 short sentences. The key is to be concise while providing enough context for others to understand progress.
- Is status update formal or informal?
- Status update is neutral in formality. It can be used in casual standup meetings or formal written reports. The tone and detail level depend on your audience and context, but the term itself is professional and appropriate for all tech workplace settings.
- What is the difference between a status update and a progress report?
- Status update is more general and typically brief, used in ongoing communication during a project. A progress report is usually more formal, detailed, and comprehensive, often delivered to stakeholders or at the end of a phase.
- Can I use the verb form 'to status update'?
- No, status update is a noun, not a verb. You cannot say 'I will status update the team.' Instead, say 'I will give/provide a status update to the team.' This is a common mistake made by non-native speakers.
