Two Months In: How to Talk About Progress in English
Introduction
It’s the end of February – two months into the year.
This is a great time to pause and ask:
- What have I improved?
- What have I started?
- What still feels difficult?
Today’s post will help you talk about progress naturally in English using the right grammar and useful expressions.
By the end, you’ll be able to describe your learning clearly and confidently.
1. The Key Grammar: Present Perfect
When we talk about progress from the past until now, we usually use the present perfect:
Structure:
have / has + past participle
Examples:
- I’ve improved my vocabulary.
- She’s started reading in English.
- We’ve been very busy this year.
We use this tense because the action started in the past and is still connected to now.
2. Useful Time Expressions
These phrases are very common when reflecting on progress:
- so far
- recently
- over the past two months
- since January
- this year
- lately
Examples:
- I’ve learned 50 new words so far.
- I’ve been more consistent recently.
- Over the past two months, I’ve watched three films in English.
- I’ve studied every week since January.
3. Vocabulary for Talking About Progress
Here are useful verbs and expressions:
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| make progress | improve gradually | I’ve made good progress with pronunciation. |
| improve | get better | My listening has improved. |
| fall behind | lose progress | I fell behind in February. |
| keep up with | stay at the same level as others | It’s hard to keep up with daily practice. |
| get better at | improve a skill | I’m getting better at speaking. |
| work on | focus on improving | I’ve been working on my grammar. |
4. Model Reflection Paragraph
Here’s an example your learners can follow:
So far this year, I’ve made steady progress in English. I’ve been working on my pronunciation and I’ve started reading short articles every week. I still find speaking difficult, but I’m getting more confident. Over the past two months, I’ve realised that consistency is more important than perfection.
Notice:
- Present perfect
- Time expressions
- Positive and honest language
5. Mini Writing Challenge
Complete these sentences:
- So far this year, I’ve…
- Recently, I’ve started…
- Over the past two months, I’ve improved…
- I still find ______ difficult.
- I’m getting better at…
Encourage learners to write 5-8 sentences.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ I improve my English since January.
✅ I’ve improved my English since January.
❌ I am learning English since two months.
✅ I’ve been learning English for two months.
(Quick reminder: since = starting point, for = duration.)
7. Positive Closing Thought
Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic.
You don’t need to say:
“I’m fluent now.”
You can say:
“I’m more confident than I was in January.”
And that’s real progress.
Final Reflection Question
What’s one small improvement you’ve made that you’re proud of?
Write it in the comments using the present perfect.
