in transition

USAGE SUMMARY

"in transition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is happening during a period of change or transformation. For example, you might say: "The company is in transition as it adapts to an ever-changing economic climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Know that bisexuals aren't "in transition.

WikiHow

He dunked in transition.

The New York Times - Sports

It is in transition.

The New York Times - Sports

In transition.

The Guardian - Books

We are in transition period".

The New York Times

But Uganda is in transition.

The Guardian

He too, was in transition.

The New York Times

He pulled up in transition.

The New York Times - Sports

And play in transition.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're in transition".

The Guardian - Tech

"I'm in transition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in transition" to describe entities, systems, or processes that are undergoing significant change, ensuring the context clearly indicates the starting and intended ending states. For example, "The company is in transition from a traditional model to a digital-first approach."

Common error

Avoid using "in transition" indefinitely. Transitions are processes with implied start and end points. Clearly define the scope and expected duration to prevent ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in transition" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adjective to describe a noun or a modifier within a clause. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in transition" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively communicates the state of change or transformation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, business, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the scope and duration of the transition are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember to define the entities or systems involved in the transition, consider alternatives like "undergoing a change" or "evolving" to refine your message, and clarify the starting and ending points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undergoing a change

Focuses on the process of change, emphasizing the action rather than the state.

in the process of changing

Highlights the ongoing nature of the transformation.

going through a transformation

Emphasizes a significant and fundamental shift.

experiencing a shift

Suggests a change in direction or focus.

undergoing a metamorphosis

Implies a dramatic and complete transformation.

changing phase

Indicates a specific period of change within a larger process.

shifting state

Highlights the alteration of a condition or status.

developing stage

Suggests a progression towards a more advanced or mature form.

evolving period

Emphasizes the gradual and continuous nature of the change.

in flux

Implies a state of uncertainty and instability during the change.

FAQs

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

You can use "in transition" to describe something undergoing a change or transformation. For example: "The government is "undergoing a change"", or "The neighborhood is "rapidly evolving"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in transition"?

Alternatives include "undergoing change", "evolving", or "transforming". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "in transition" for a long time?

While technically correct, prolonged use suggests the transition is either incomplete or poorly managed. Consider specifying the phase or expected completion date or choose a different expression.

What's the difference between "in transition" and "undergoing transformation"?

"In transition" generally indicates a process of change from one state to another, while "undergoing transformation" emphasizes a more fundamental or dramatic change.