are in development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is currently being created, designed, or improved. Example: "The new software features are in development and will be released next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Others are in development.

The New York Times

Smaller machines are in development.

The Guardian - Business

Several more plants are in development.

The New York Times

Still other tests are in development.

The New York Times

Ideas are in development right now".

The Guardian

But other drugs are in development.

The New York Times

More vibes are in development, he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Four such terminals exist, and others are in development.

The New York Times

Several other scripts are in development within the group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Depot and implantable formulations are in development.

BioMed Research International

Several such films are in development.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are in development" to indicate that projects, features, or products are actively being worked on but not yet completed. It provides a sense of anticipation and ongoing progress.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive constructions like "are in development" in situations where active voice would be clearer and more engaging. Sometimes, specifying who is doing the developing can add clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in development" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the state or status of something that is currently being worked on or created, which is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are in development" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something is currently undergoing creation or improvement. As confirmed by Ludwig, its neutral register makes it suitable across various contexts, from news and media to science and business. It is important to select appropriate alternatives, such as "are being developed" or "are under construction", based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While very common, it's also advisable to use active voice where possible for more clarity and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being developed

Uses a passive voice construction to highlight the action of development.

are under construction

Emphasizes the physical building or creation aspect rather than a broader development process.

are being created

Focuses on the act of creation rather than the process of improving or advancing.

are in the works

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is being prepared or developed.

are in progress

Indicates that something has started and is currently ongoing but not specifically about development.

are underway

Similar to "are in progress" but can also imply a sense of official commencement or authorization.

are taking shape

Suggests that something is becoming more defined and complete.

are being planned

Highlights the planning phase specifically, before actual creation has begun.

are advancing

Focuses on the forward movement and progress of something.

are evolving

Implies a gradual change and refinement over time, often naturally.

FAQs

How do I use "are in development" in a sentence?

Use "are in development" to describe something that is currently being created or improved. For example, "The new features for the app are in development and will be released soon."

What's the difference between "are in development" and "are being developed"?

Both phrases mean essentially the same thing. "Are in development" is slightly more concise, while "are being developed" emphasizes the action of developing. The choice often depends on the desired emphasis and context.

What can I say instead of "are in development"?

You can use alternatives such as "are under construction", "are in progress", or "are being planned" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is in development" instead of "are in development"?

The verb form must agree with the subject. Use "is in development" when referring to a singular subject (e.g., "The new feature is in development"), and use "are in development" when referring to a plural subject (e.g., "The new features are in development").