an ongoing work in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing work in progress" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an undertaking that is currently incomplete and requires further work. For example, you could say: "My project is an ongoing work in progress - I need to add a few more components before it is ready for launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Outside it's bedlam; an ongoing work in progress.

The Guardian - Film

La Folie Baudelaire presents itself as the sixth panel of an ongoing work in progress, a work at once nameless and capacious.

The Guardian - Books

Android It's described as an "ongoing work in progress", so I'm not sure how well Android game Wrestling Revolution plays – although it looks nice judging by the YouTube demo.

The Guardian - Tech

Bastuga: 'Best Job ever' is an ongoing work in progress.

Forbes

That's very much an ongoing work in progress as it seeks additional deals to plump up that potential subscription offering.

TechCrunch

The platform will launch as a pilot in a few months, and it will be an ongoing work in progress as we learn more from the Digg community and adjust the system.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Although many of these drawings would stand quite brilliantly on their own, the crowded hanging here emphasizes the fact that this artist was more concerned, as Mr. Moos points out, with repetition and reiteration, so that each work is less a self-contained object than an extract from an ongoing work-in-progress.

The New York Times

Sport is a ongoing work in progress.

The Guardian - Sport

The Institute's internal programs also provide a forum for ongoing faculty work-in-progress, and an affiliated doctoral fellows' group for students writing their dissertations.

University of Chicago

This is an ongoing work.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"We are kept updated on the ongoing work in Portugal and are encouraged by the progress.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ongoing work in progress", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect or project is still being developed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid treating "an ongoing work in progress" as if it's nearing completion. Emphasize the continuous and evolving nature of the project to manage expectations effectively.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an ongoing work in progress" is to act as a noun phrase, functioning as a subject complement or an appositive to describe a project, task, or situation that is currently incomplete. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an ongoing work in progress" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something incomplete and still developing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and general discussions. Related phrases include "a continuing project" and "a work in development", offering similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being developed and avoid treating it as near completion. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively communicate the evolving nature of projects and tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a work in development

Similar meaning with a slight shift in emphasis to the development phase.

a continuing project

Focuses on the continuous nature of the work, emphasizing its progression.

an unfinished endeavor

Highlights the incomplete state of the undertaking.

an evolving process

Highlights the process aspect and its continuous evolution.

a developing situation

Emphasizes the evolving nature of the circumstances.

a perpetually evolving task

Emphasizes that the task is continually changing.

a fluid undertaking

Suggests adaptability and change within the project.

a constantly changing plan

Highlights the mutable nature of the plan itself.

a dynamic initiative

Focuses on the active and energetic nature of the project.

something still in the making

Informal way to describe something that is currently being created or developed.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing work in progress" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing work in progress" to describe a project, task, or situation that is not yet complete and is still being developed or refined. For example: "The new software is "an ongoing work in progress", with regular updates and improvements planned."

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing work in progress"?

Alternatives include "a continuing project", "a work in development", or "an evolving process". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say "ongoing work in progress"?

While both "ongoing" and "in progress" suggest something is not finished, the phrase "an ongoing work in progress" emphasizes both the continuous nature and the incomplete state of the project. The redundancy is slight but can add emphasis.

How formal is the phrase "an ongoing work in progress"?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business, academic, and general conversation to describe projects and processes that are still under development.