how things are proceeding

USAGE SUMMARY

'how things are proceeding' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking for an update on the progress of a particular activity. For example: "Can you give me an update on how things are proceeding with the project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While we are cautiously optimistic about how things are proceeding for the University, at the same time it does require continued efforts to contain growth in our expenses.

Harvard University

Speaking to Press Association Sport, Joe Stork, the deputy director of the Middle East division, said: "Martial law was lifted on June 1, but that's had no effect in terms of how things are proceeding.

Independent

"I am satisfied with how things are proceeding.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cohen responds unfavorably about how things were proceeding.

The Washington Post

"Things are in motion, things are proceeding," Carl Lindros said yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Things are proceeding slowly, maybe, but it's worth it.

Independent

Things are proceeding even more slowly in Illinois.

The New York Times - Travel

By that argument, things are proceeding at pace.

Forbes

Parents also like to know how things are run, usually so they can inform foreigners of how smoothly things proceed back home.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's how things are".

The New Yorker

" She knows how things are.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how things are proceeding", ensure the context is clear. Specify what "things" refers to for clarity. For example, instead of saying "I am satisfied with how things are proceeding", be specific and say "I am satisfied with how the project is proceeding."

Common error

Avoid using "how things are proceeding" without specifying what "things" refers to. This lack of clarity can confuse the reader. Always provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things are proceeding" functions as an interrogative clause, often serving as a noun phrase complement. It usually appears in questions or statements seeking information about the progress or status of a particular situation or activity. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how things are proceeding" is a grammatically correct phrase used to inquire about the progress or status of an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While less frequent, it finds its place in news, academia, and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the "things" you're referring to. Alternatives like "how is it going" can be used in more casual settings. Remember that while "how things are" inquires a general situation, "how things are proceeding" seeks the specific progress on something in motion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how is everything progressing

Substitutes "things" for "everything" and uses the word "progressing" instead of "proceeding".

how is the process unfolding

Specific to a defined "process", this highlights the unfolding steps and stages.

how is it going

Replaces "proceeding" with a more casual "going", making it less formal.

how are matters advancing

Replaces "things" with "matters" and uses "advancing" to mean "proceeding", offering a more formal tone.

how are developments unfolding

Uses "developments" to refer to "things" and "unfolding" in place of "proceeding", suggesting a gradual revelation.

what's the status of things

Focuses on the "status" or current state, rather than the act of proceeding.

how is the situation evolving

Emphasizes the change and evolution of the "situation" rather than just its progress.

how far along are things

Emphasizes the extent of the progress made.

what's the current state of affairs

Focuses on the present condition of "affairs", shifting from the idea of ongoing progression.

what's happening with things

Focuses on the occurrences and events related to "things".

FAQs

How can I use "how things are proceeding" in a sentence?

You can use "how things are proceeding" to inquire about the status or progress of an activity. For example, "Can you update me on "how things are proceeding" with the negotiations?"

What can I say instead of "how things are proceeding"?

You can use alternatives like "how is it going", "how is everything progressing", or "what's the status of things" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "how things are proceeding" or "how are things proceeding"?

"How things are proceeding" is generally preferred and more common. "How are things proceeding" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "how things are proceeding" and "how things are"?

"How things are proceeding" implies an ongoing process and focuses on the progress. "How things are" is a more general inquiry about the current state or condition.