in construction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in construction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote that something is in the process of being built or otherwise assembled, for example: "The new school is still in construction, but it should be finished by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most were working in construction.

The Economist

The young man was not in construction.

The New York Times

"Unemployment is 30 percent in construction".

The New York Times

Her husband, Myroslav, works in construction.

The Economist

His father found work in construction.

The New Yorker

There have also been delays in construction.

The New York Times

Her boyfriend was working in construction.

The New Yorker

It is anything but uniform in construction.

The New Yorker

Hardly any steel was used in construction.

The New York Times

"And they have deep roots in construction".

The New York Times

"A woman in construction" she said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in construction" to specifically indicate that a physical structure is currently being built, as opposed to being in the planning or design phase.

Common error

While "in construction" and "under construction" are often interchangeable, "under construction" more commonly appears as a warning sign, while "in construction" is more descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in construction" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is currently being built or assembled. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in construction" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability. It is primarily used to describe the state of a physical structure that is currently being built. While alternatives like "under construction" exist, "in construction" offers a descriptive nuance suitable for diverse contexts. Mastering its use involves recognizing its specific application to building processes and distinguishing it from broader development phases. This phrase appears most commonly in news and media, scientific literature, and formal business communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under construction

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing state of the building process more directly.

being built

This alternative provides a more simplified and active voice description of the process.

in development

This alternative broadens the scope to include planning and design phases.

under development

Similar to "in development", but offers a slightly different emphasis.

currently being erected

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the vertical assembly of a structure.

undergoing construction

This alternative is a more verbose but grammatically correct rephrasing.

in the process of being built

This alternative provides a detailed explanation of the ongoing building activity.

presently being constructed

This alternative is a formal and slightly more passive way to describe the process.

in the works

This is a more informal alternative, indicating that something is being planned or prepared.

taking shape

This alternative describes the gradual formation of a structure or project.

FAQs

How can I use "in construction" in a sentence?

You can use "in construction" to describe a building, road, or other structure that is currently being built. For example, "The new library is still in construction and is expected to open next year."

What's a synonym for "in construction"?

A close synonym for "in construction" is "under construction", although other alternatives like "being built" or "in development" may also be suitable depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "under construction" instead of "in construction"?

Yes, "under construction" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "in construction". Both phrases convey the same meaning.

What's the difference between "in construction" and "in development"?

"In construction" typically refers to the physical building process, while "in development" can encompass the entire process from planning and design to construction and testing. So, something "in development" might not necessarily be physically "in construction" yet.