We are presently engaged in

Place the activity right after the word in. For example, We are presently engaged in negotiations. It works best with nouns or verbs ending in -ing. Use it for significant, ongoing tasks. It makes even simple tasks sound very impressive. Try it when you need to provide a formal update. Just remember to keep the rest of the sentence formal too. You wouldn't say We are presently engaged in chilling. That would sound very confusing to your coworkers!

Use this in formal emails or board meetings. It is perfect for official status reports. If a client asks for an update, use this phrase. It shows your team is focused and professional. It also works well in legal or academic contexts. It adds a layer of serious authority to your speech. It tells people that your time is valuable. It is the verbal equivalent of wearing a suit.

Do not use this with your close friends. They will think you are acting like a robot. Avoid it when ordering food at a restaurant. "I am presently engaged in choosing a burger" sounds silly. Keep it out of casual text messages. Unless, of course, you are making a joke. Your cat probably won't appreciate the formality either.

English speakers often use "big words" to create professional distance. In business, this distance feels objective and very serious. It moves the focus from the person to the work. This phrase became popular in 20th-century corporate culture. It is a key part of "Corporate Speak." It sounds like something a CEO would say. It suggests that the work is complex and important. Using it makes you sound like a high-level professional. It is common in both American and British business circles.

You might hear currently involved in instead. Some people prefer in the process of. If you are alone, say I am presently engaged in. If the task is almost done, use finishing up. All of these keep that professional, busy vibe. Choose the one that fits your specific rhythm. Each variation changes the flavor slightly but keeps the meaning.