already working on it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already working on it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that you are currently engaged in a task or project that has been previously mentioned. Example: "I appreciate your concern; I'm already working on it." Alternative expressions include "currently addressing it" and "in the process of handling it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I'm already working on it.

The New Yorker

Pioneering insurers are already working on it.

The Economist

But as for funny -- Ms. Borodina is already working on it.

The New York Times

"We are already working on it," Ms. Norton said of the gas pipeline.

The New York Times

"The odds are that someone in Silicon valley is already working on it".

The Guardian

Marla A. Metzner, president of Fashion Licensing of America, the New York agency that works with both authors' estates, said she was already working on it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Bartek is already working on adapting it for the Oculus Rift, and we might be doing a demo very soon.

Vice

Longtime Prince collaborator Sheila E told "Entertainment Tonight" that Prince was already working on making it a museum, gathering memorabilia from his career, including his motorcycle from "Purple Rain".

Los Angeles Times

And then a day later, I got an email from him stating that he like to fold it into the mix of sites that he was already working on and thought it was really cool.

TechCrunch

However Ofgem said it was already working on plans to change its code, so that customers are able to view all the tariffs, regardless of the commission the website will earn.

BBC

"People were dying and they said, 'We're already working on this.' But it was window-dressing to tell consumers they were doing something".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, follow this phrase with a brief estimate of when the task will be completed to manage expectations effectively.

Common error

Ensure you do not use this phrase as a placeholder to stall for time. If you have not actually started the task, using it may damage your professional credibility when progress is later audited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already working on it" functions as an adverbial-verb complex where the adverb "already" modifies the present continuous verb "working". It serves as a status indicator, confirming that an action has commenced prior to the moment of speaking. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard construction used to denote proactivity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "already working on it" is a highly effective and grammatically correct tool for conveying progress and proactivity. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is frequently utilized in professional journalism and business communication to provide status updates and reassure stakeholders. It is characterized by its neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of situations. Whether you are responding to a client or reporting on a developing news story, this phrase clearly communicates that action is underway. To enhance your writing, consider using more specific alternatives like "currently addressing it" if you need to sound more formal, but for general efficiency, the standard phrase remains an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently addressing it

More formal and suitable for professional correspondence

in the process of handling it

Emphasizes the procedural nature of the task

on top of it

More idiomatic and suggests a proactive, controlled approach

already in progress

Focuses on the status of the task rather than the person working

actively engaged in this

Stronger emphasis on the intensity of the effort

presently tackling the issue

Suggests a problem-solving or energetic context

handling it as we speak

Adds a sense of immediacy and real-time action

well underway

Indicates that significant progress has likely already been made

task is in hand

A British-leaning professional variation

currently looking into it

Used specifically for tasks involving research or investigation

FAQs

How to use "already working on it" in a sentence?

You can use it as a standalone response or within a sentence like "I appreciate the reminder, but I am "already working on it" to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "already working on it"?

Depending on the formality, you can use "currently addressing it", "on top of it" or "in the process of handling it."

Which is correct, "already working on it" or "already working at it"?

Both are grammatically valid, but ""already working on it"" is much more common for specific tasks. "already working at it" often implies a general effort or a location.

Is "already working on it" formal enough for an email?

Yes, it is acceptable in most business emails, though you might prefer "presently addressing the matter" for highly formal correspondence.