Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
developing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "developing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of growth, progress, or creation in various contexts, such as projects, skills, or ideas. Example: "The team is currently developing a new software application that will enhance user experience."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Speaking in Washington, Osborne said that the turmoil in the world's financial markets meant there was now "a far greater sense of urgency" and mounting pressure on Europe from the G20 group of developed and developing nations.
News & Media
"In this fast-changing world, China and the EU, as the biggest developing country and the biggest bloc of developed countries in the world, share common interests and have a greater need for each other".
News & Media
In this way, rich and developing countries can get equitable access to sustainable development, which should be the key aim that drives each country over the next 12 months on the road from Lima to Paris.
News & Media
However, after the second Rio+20 intersessional meeting held in New York in mid-December, word has it that a consensus is building among a core group of countries to use Rio+20 to shift the post-MDG agenda from poverty to sustainable development, ie from problems affecting the poor in developing nations to those affecting us all, everywhere.
News & Media
"Determining where this capital is spent needs to be an important issue for investors, otherwise there is going to be a lot of capital wasted in coming years on developing fossil fuel reserves that cannot be burned".
News & Media
The public deserves to know how the governing jurisprudence is developing.
News & Media
Giving evidence to the House of Commons' international development committee, which is looking into the future of the CDC – Britain's investment fund for developing countries – Andrew Mitchell said the corporation's fund of funds model was too narrow and needed to be expanded.
News & Media
Potter said he was studying aerodynamics and aerospace technology and was committed to developing safer gear and flying protocols.
News & Media
This might not be a problem if it were a drug for TB, malaria or AIDS – but critics of the HPV donation asked why cervical cancer received such a comprehensive effort in Rwanda – reaching 95% for 11-year-old girls when disease incidence lags well behind other vaccine-preventable diseases in the developing world (read the Rwandan health minister's persuasive rebuttal).
News & Media
One example is the Advanced Market Commitment tool, where donors pledge to purchase developing country disease-focused vaccines or medicines, giving companies a commercial buyer and thus a reason to risk their R&D investment and product development.
News & Media
Industrial nations can at best give a developing country a shallow surface insight into their know-how, and even then only in the context of foreign investment deals in which developed countries that host foreign direct investment inflows skilfully negotiate and secure such agreements, and have skilled workforces to absorb and expand on such prowess.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "developing" to convey a sense of ongoing progress. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being developed, and what the desired outcome is.
Common error
Avoid using "developing" as a blanket term without specifying what aspects are undergoing development. Be precise by clarifying what is "developing": skills, products, or strategies, for clarity and impact.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The term "developing" functions primarily as a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb "develop". It can also serve as an adjective, particularly when describing countries or economies in a state of progress. Ludwig examples confirm its versatile usage in both forms.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Formal & Business
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the term "developing" is a versatile and commonly used word that functions primarily as a verb or adjective to describe ongoing processes of growth, progress, or change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, including news media, business, and science. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context when using "developing", particularly when referring to countries or economies, and to avoid overgeneralization by specifying the aspects that are undergoing development. Alternatives like "evolving", "expanding", or "improving" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
in the process of evolving
This alternative emphasizes the evolutionary aspect of development, highlighting gradual change over time.
currently expanding
Focuses on the growth and enlargement aspect of development, particularly suitable in business or physical contexts.
being cultivated
Implies a deliberate nurturing or fostering of growth, often used in the context of skills or relationships.
under construction
Highlights the building or creation aspect of development, often used in a literal or figurative sense.
taking shape
Suggests that something is gradually forming or becoming more defined.
in progress
Indicates that a task or project is currently underway and moving towards completion.
becoming more advanced
Specifically highlights advancement and improvement, often in technological or societal contexts.
being refined
Implies that something is being improved or perfected through careful adjustments.
in the making
Suggests that something is in the early stages of creation or development.
being enhanced
Highlights the improvement and augmentation aspect of development.
FAQs
How can I use "developing" in a sentence?
You can use "developing" in sentences like: "The company is "developing a new strategy"" or "She is "developing her skills" in data analysis."
What are some alternatives to the word "developing"?
Is it correct to say "developing" countries or should I use another term?
"Developing countries" is a commonly used term, but some prefer alternatives like "emerging economies" or "low- and middle-income countries" for greater precision and sensitivity.
What is the difference between "developing" and "developed" in an economic context?
"Developing" refers to countries that are still in the process of industrializing and improving their economies, while "developed" refers to countries with advanced economies and high standards of living.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested