French Phrase
Tiens-moi au courant des progrès, s'il te plaît.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite and common way to ask someone to provide regular updates on a task, project, or situation. It emphasizes the desire to stay informed about the ongoing development rather than just receiving a final report. It's a useful expression for managing expectations and ensuring communication.
When to use
Use this phrase when you've delegated a task, are waiting for news on a developing situation, or are collaborating on a project and need to be kept in the loop. It's suitable for both professional and personal contexts, as long as the 's'il te plaît' (or 's'il vous plaît') matches the relationship.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tiens-moiau courantdes progrès,s'il te plaît
Tenir au courant
This is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to keep informed' or 'to keep updated.' It uses the verb 'tenir' (to hold/keep) in a figurative sense.
Tiens
This is the imperative form of the verb 'tenir' (to hold/keep) for the second person singular 'tu.' It's used to give a command or make a request.
au courant
This fixed expression means 'informed' or 'up-to-date.' It literally translates to 'in the current' and is always used with 'être' or 'tenir'.
des progrès
'Des' is a contraction of 'de les' (of the). 'Progrès' is a masculine noun that is often used in the plural in French when referring to ongoing development or advancements, even if it's a single project.
s'il te plaît
This is a polite phrase meaning 'if it pleases you' or 'please.' It uses the informal 'tu' form. For a formal context, you would use 's'il vous plaît'.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai envoyé le rapport au client ce matin.
I sent the report to the client this morning.
Super ! Tiens-moi au courant des progrès, s'il te plaît.
Great! Keep me updated on the progress, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Garde-moi informé des progrès.
While a direct translation, 'garder informé' is less natural in French. 'Tenir au courant' is the idiomatic expression for 'to keep updated'.
Tiens-moi au courant du progrès.
'Progrès' is often used in the plural ('les progrès') when referring to ongoing development or advancements, even for a single project.
Tiens-moi au courant des progrès, s'il vous plaît.
Using 'vous' with 'tiens-moi' (the 'tu' form) is a mismatch. If addressing someone formally with 'vous', the verb should be 'Tenez-moi'.
↔Alternatives
Donne-moi des nouvelles.
Give me news.
Fais-moi un point régulier.
Give me a regular update.
Informe-moi de l'avancement.
Inform me of the advancement.
Tenez-moi informé(e) de l'évolution.
Keep me informed of the evolution.
Cultural Tip
French communication, especially in professional settings, can be quite direct, but politeness markers like 's'il te plaît' or 's'il vous plaît' are crucial. While 'Tiens-moi au courant' is direct, adding the 's'il te plaît' softens it significantly. Be mindful of using 'tu' vs. 'vous' based on your relationship with the person; using 'tu' with someone you don't know well can be perceived as rude.