is a work in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a work in progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is still ongoing or unfinished. For example: "This project is a work in progress, but we hope to have it completed soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The program is a work in progress.

The New York Times

The menu is a work in progress.

The New York Times

PreCheck is a work in progress.

The New York Times

Everyone is a work in progress.

The New York Times

But Margate is a work in progress.

Independent

The paper is a work in progress.

The New York Times

It is a work in progress.

The New York Times

This is a work in progress.

The Economist

The transformation is a work in progress.

The New Yorker

Yonkers is a work in progress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But you know, Universal Credit is a work-in-progress.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a work in progress", be transparent about the expected timeline or milestones to manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "is a work in progress" as an excuse for consistent delays or lack of quality. Provide concrete updates and improvements instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a work in progress" functions as a predicative expression, attributing a state of incompleteness and ongoing development to a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase signals that a process or project is currently underway but not yet finalized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a work in progress" is a common and grammatically sound way to communicate that something is currently under development. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's employed across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and business, to signal ongoing effort and manage expectations. For greater precision, you might consider alternatives like "is under development" or "is being refined". Remember to set clear expectations when using this phrase to avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is under development

Focuses on the active stage of creation and improvement.

is still in development

Similar to 'is under development' but emphasizes the ongoing nature.

is being refined

Highlights the process of improvement and fine-tuning.

is evolving

Suggests a gradual and continuous process of change and growth.

is not yet finalized

Emphasizes that the ultimate form is not yet determined.

is incomplete

Directly states the lack of completion.

is in the making

Indicates that something is currently being created or prepared.

is progressing

Focuses on the forward movement and advancement of something.

is a developing story

Specifically used for situations or events that are unfolding.

is subject to change

Highlights the possibility of future modifications or alterations.

FAQs

How can I use "is a work in progress" in a sentence?

You can use "is a work in progress" to indicate that something is still being developed or refined. For example, "The new website "is a work in progress", but we expect to launch it soon."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is a work in progress"?

Some alternatives include "is under development", "is being refined", or "is evolving", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "is a work in progress" in formal writing?

Yes, "is a work in progress" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise alternatives like "is under development" or "is being refined" for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "is a work in progress" and "is incomplete"?

"Is incomplete" simply states that something is unfinished, while "is a work in progress" implies that active effort is being made to complete or improve it. The former is more static, while the latter suggests ongoing dynamism.