In the works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the works" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is in progress or being developed. Example: "The new policy changes are currently in the works and will be announced next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the works: "Organically Mendocino: Wine Finder".

Los Angeles Times

In the works?

Huffington Post

More are in the works.

The New York Times

(A stage musical is in the works).

The New York Times - Arts

A smoked salt is in the works.

The New York Times - Food

Other collaborations are in the works.

The New York Times

(An Android app is in the works).

The New York Times - Tech

A fourth bore is in the works.

The New York Times

(Support for Japanese is in the works).

The Economist

(An Android version is in the works).

The New York Times - Tech

Now one is in the works.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In the works" to indicate that a plan, project, or idea is currently being developed or implemented, but is not yet complete. For example: "The new marketing campaign is currently "in the works" and will launch next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "in the works" if the project is only in the initial planning stages and no actual development has begun. A more appropriate phrase might be "under consideration" or "being planned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In the works" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something is currently being developed, prepared, or is in progress. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In the works" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating that something is currently under development or in progress. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "under development" and "in progress" exist, "In the works" provides a nuanced way to convey ongoing effort and manage expectations. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. When using it, ensure the project has moved beyond initial planning to warrant the 'in progress' implication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under development

Focuses on the state of active development, similar to "in the works" but more direct.

In progress

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity, a more general alternative.

Being developed

Highlights the active process of creation or advancement.

In the pipeline

Suggests that something is scheduled and moving through a process.

In preparation

Focuses on the preparatory stages of a project or event.

Being planned

Emphasizes the planning phase of a project.

On the drawing board

Implies the initial design or conceptual phase.

Coming soon

Suggests an imminent release or completion.

In gestation

Implies a longer, more organic development process.

Under construction

Used when something is literally being built or assembled.

FAQs

How can I use "In the works" in a sentence?

"In the works" is used to describe something that is currently being developed or prepared. For example, "A new software update is "in the works" and will be released soon."

What are some alternatives to "In the works"?

You can use alternatives like "under development", "in progress", or "being planned" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "In the works" in formal writing?

Yes, "In the works" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially in business or news contexts, but consider alternatives like "under development" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "In the works" and "Under construction"?

"In the works" is more general and can refer to any kind of plan or project being developed, while "under construction" typically refers to physical structures or infrastructure being built.