Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

How are things progressing

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

How are things progressing with moves for Sporting Gijon's Serbian striker Stefan Scepovic and finalising a loan move for Ghana winger Wasako Mubarak? "I have so many good players and it's important to use the squad.

News & Media

BBC

How are things progressing with their partnership in terms of what you've been filming recently?

News & Media

Huffington Post

Bridget, aka Helen Fielding, has been filling the Daily Telegraph (for which she writes a column) with extracts from the new book, answering tough questions from the paper's readers ("What are you doing for the millennium?", "How are things progressing on the movie?") and making guest appearances everywhere else.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

How are things going?

News & Media

The New York Times

How are things now?

How are they progressing?

News & Media

HuffPost

"We've been updating people with pictures of things of how things are progressing and how they're being built -- from point 'A' where the Snow Queen mask was just a clay mold to where it's at now, completely sculpted and decorated and just a phenomenal piece".

News & Media

Huffington Post

How tight are things?

News & Media

Forbes

Fenlon told BBC Scotland he would have "had a chuckle to himself" if someone had suggested his team would be second top in September, but he is pleased at how things are progressing after a torrid first season last term.

News & Media

BBC

"Every two weeks we get together to present what we are working on and how things are progressing to get feedback.

News & Media

The New York Times

I am really happy with how things are progressing.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "How are things progressing", be specific about what 'things' refers to for clarity. Provide context to ensure your audience understands the subject of the inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "How are things progressing" without specifying what 'things' are. This lack of clarity can confuse the recipient and render the question meaningless. Always provide context.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "How are things progressing" functions as an interrogative expression used to inquire about the status or advancement of a particular situation, project, or task. Ludwig provides examples where this question is used in various contexts, from sports to film production.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "How are things progressing" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to inquire about the advancement of various situations. Ludwig AI indicates it's suitable for both professional and informal settings, though providing context is crucial for clarity. While relatively infrequent, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and business contexts. Alternative phrases like "what's the status" or "how is it going" may be considered depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

FAQs

How can I ask about the progress of a project?

Besides "How are things progressing", you could ask "what's the status?", "what's the progress report?", or "are we on track?" depending on the formality and context.

Is "How are things progressing" formal or informal?

The phrase "How are things progressing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both professional and informal settings. The context and your relationship with the person you're asking will influence the perceived formality.

What's a more direct way to ask about progress?

For a more direct approach, you could ask "what stage are things at?" This is more explicit and focuses on the current phase of the project or situation.

When is it appropriate to use "How are things progressing"?

It is appropriate to use "How are things progressing" when you want a general update on something that is underway. It's suitable for checking in on projects, tasks, or even someone's general well-being, provided it's within a context where you're entitled to ask.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: