in the making

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in the making' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a process that is happening or a new development that is in the process of being created. For example: The new office building is already in the making and should be completed by next year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Policy disaster in the making.

The New York Times

The rest is history in the making.

Independent

"Makandal" was five years in the making.

The New York Times - Arts

This excess was decades in the making.

The New York Times - Magazine

An empire is in the making.

The New York Times - Food

This theory was years in the making.

The New York Times - Magazine

The confrontation was years in the making.

The New Yorker

It was history in the making.

Independent

This has been years in the making.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let's examine this dynasty-in-the-making.

The New York Times

Iraqi Kurdistan: State-in-the-making?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the making" to describe something that is currently being developed or created, but is not yet finished. For example, "a star is in the making" suggests someone is on the path to stardom.

Common error

Avoid using "in the making" to describe something that is already finished. It indicates a process that is still ongoing. For example, instead of saying 'the product is in the making', use 'the product is complete'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the making" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing something that is currently under development or in the process of becoming. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, such as 'policy disaster in the making' or 'history in the making'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the making" is a versatile adjective phrase indicating that something is currently being developed or created, but not yet finished. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct and it is very commonly used across various contexts, most notably in news and media. Its usage implies a sense of potential and ongoing development. Related phrases like "under development" or "in progress" can be used as alternatives, but it's crucial to avoid using "in the making" for completed products. With its neutral register and clear meaning, it remains a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under development

Focuses on the development stage, emphasizing the process rather than the potential outcome.

in progress

Highlights the ongoing nature of the creation or development.

being developed

Similar to 'under development' but emphasizes the active process.

in the works

Suggests that something is secretly or actively being planned or prepared.

coming soon

Emphasizes the impending arrival or completion of something.

being created

Focuses on the act of creation, often for something tangible.

in gestation

Implies a longer period of development, akin to pregnancy.

taking shape

Indicates that something is gradually forming and becoming clearer.

under construction

Typically used for physical structures or projects that are visibly being built.

brewing

Suggests that something is developing, often with a sense of anticipation or potential excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "in the making" in a sentence?

Use "in the making" to describe something currently being developed. For example, "This company is a leader "in the making"" suggests it's on track to become a leading company.

What's a good alternative to "in the making"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "in the making"?

It's appropriate when describing something that is currently in the process of being created or developed, but isn't yet complete or fully realized. For instance, "a masterpiece is "in the making"".

What does "in the making" imply about the subject?

It implies potential and ongoing development. It suggests that the subject is not yet at its final form but is progressing towards a specific outcome or state. For instance, "a crisis "in the making"" suggests a situation is developing towards a critical point.