are in the works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in the works" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe a situation in which something is being developed or planned but has not yet been completed or implemented. For example, "We are working on several new projects that are in the works, but we won't have any details to share until they are finalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More are in the works.

The New York Times

Other collaborations are in the works.

The New York Times

Beer floats are in the works.

The New York Times

Great things are in the works.

The New York Times - Books

More skyscrapers are in the works.

The Economist

More deportations are in the works.

The New York Times

Other trials are in the works.

The New York Times - Health

More such operations are in the works.

The New York Times

Several books are in the works, too.

The New York Times

More layoffs are in the works.

The New York Times

And corporate sponsorships are in the works.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are in the works" to indicate that plans or projects are underway but not yet finalized. It adds a sense of anticipation and ongoing effort.

Common error

Avoid using "are in the works" to describe completed actions; this phrase refers to ongoing or future endeavors. Use past tense verbs to accurately describe finished tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in the works" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating that something is currently being developed or planned. It suggests an ongoing process rather than a completed action. This is validated by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are in the works" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe ongoing plans or projects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "under development" or "in progress" for similar meaning. It's crucial to use "are in the works" to refer to ongoing or future efforts, not completed actions, to avoid grammatical errors. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, this phrase is a reliable choice for expressing the idea of something being actively developed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under development

Focuses on the active process of building or creating something.

in progress

Highlights the fact that something is currently happening, though not yet complete.

being planned

Emphasizes the planning stage of a project or activity.

in the pipeline

Suggests a series of events or items that are scheduled to happen.

being prepared

Focuses on the act of getting something ready for use or action.

on the horizon

Implies that something is likely to happen in the near future.

in preparation

Highlights the preparatory actions being taken for a future event.

taking shape

Suggests that something is gradually becoming more defined or concrete.

in gestation

Implies a longer, more organic period of development.

under construction

Specifically indicates that something is being built or assembled.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are in the works" indicates ongoing plans or projects. For example, "New product features "are in the works" for the next software update."

What's a more formal alternative to "are in the works"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "under development", "in progress", or "being planned" depending on the specific context. These options provide similar meaning with a heightened level of professional vocabulary.

Is it appropriate to use "are in the works" in academic writing?

While "are in the works" is widely understood, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Instead, try "is under development" or "is currently being researched" to maintain a scholarly tone.

What is the difference between "are in the works" and "under construction"?

"Are in the works" is a broader term that can refer to any kind of plan or project, while "under construction" typically describes physical structures or tangible items that are being built. So, use "under construction" only when physical construction is happening.