in development

USAGE SUMMARY

"in development" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is in the process of being created, built, or developed. For example, "The new technology is still in development, so it may take some time before it is ready to be released to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are in development.

The New York Times

Most scripts die in development.

The New York Times

Alternatives are already in development.

The Economist

(A mobile app is in development).

The New York Times

Several such films are in development.

The New York Times - Tech

The approach is still in development.

The New York Times

You also have a background in development.

The New York Times

Other Web series are also in development.

The New York Times - Tech

(An Android version is in development).

The New York Times

The technology is still in development.

The New Yorker

So the hiatus in development continues.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in development", consider adding a timeframe or specific details to provide context. For example, "The software is in development and is expected to be released next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "in development" without any further context, as it can be vague. Specify what is being developed and, if possible, the stage of development to provide clarity to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in development" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state or condition of ongoing creation, construction, or progress. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in development" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates an ongoing process of creation or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While highly versatile, you must provide context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "under construction" or "being developed" may offer greater precision depending on your needs. Understanding these nuances helps you communicate effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under development

A slight variation that maintains the same meaning.

under construction

Replaces 'development' with 'construction', emphasizing the building aspect.

being developed

Changes the phrase to a passive voice construction, highlighting the action of development.

undergoing development

Emphasizes the process of development that something is experiencing.

in the process of being developed

A more verbose version that emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of the development.

in progress

Offers a more general term for ongoing work, suitable when the specific nature of 'development' isn't crucial.

in the works

An idiomatic alternative that suggests something is being planned or prepared.

in the pipeline

Implies that something is moving through a process towards completion.

being created

Focuses on the creation aspect, useful when the emphasis is on bringing something new into existence.

being refined

Suggests that something is already partially developed and is now being improved.

FAQs

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

You can use "in development" to describe a project, product, or feature that is currently being worked on but not yet finished. For example, "The new feature is "in development" and will be released soon."

What are some alternatives to saying "in development"?

Alternatives include "under construction", "in progress", or "being developed" depending on the specific context.

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

Both "in development" and "under development" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "in development" is slightly more common.

What does it mean when something is described as "in development hell"?

"In development hell" refers to a project that has been stuck "in development" for a long time, often facing numerous setbacks and challenges that prevent it from being completed.