is under construction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is under construction" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is currently being built, renovated, or repaired. Example: "The new shopping mall is under construction and is expected to open next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A school is under construction.

The New York Times

A Mouride religious centre is under construction.

The Economist

A W hotel is under construction.

The New Yorker

A stadium is under construction in Amsterdam.

The New York Times - Sports

Nearby, a bungalow resort is under construction.

The New York Times - Travel

A fifth is under construction.

The Guardian

His plant is under construction.

The New York Times

A building is under construction.

The New York Times - Arts

A university is under construction.

The New York Times

This site is under construction.

Harvard University

This website is under construction.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is under construction" when referring to physical structures, websites, or abstract projects that are currently in the process of being built or developed. For example, "The new bridge is under construction" or "The website is under construction, please check back later".

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "is under construction" for purely conceptual or theoretical ideas. Opt for phrases like "is being developed" or "is in progress" to describe ideas that are not physical in nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is under construction" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that something is currently in the process of being built or developed. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is under construction" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe something that is currently being built, developed, or renovated. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and scientific domains. While alternatives such as "is being built" or "is in progress" exist, "is under construction" provides a clear and direct way to communicate the ongoing status of a project. It is generally suitable for neutral and informal registers, though overuse in purely abstract contexts should be avoided. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, further validating its reliability and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being built

Focuses specifically on the building process.

is in development

Highlights the developmental aspect rather than just the physical construction.

is being developed

Similar to "is in development", emphasizing the active process of development.

is in progress

A more general term indicating that something is happening or moving forward.

is being created

Emphasizes the act of creation, suitable for projects involving design and innovation.

is taking shape

Suggests that something is gradually becoming more defined and complete.

is underway

A more concise way of saying something has started and is progressing.

is in the works

Implies planning and preparation are actively happening.

is advancing

Highlights the forward movement and progress of the project.

is evolving

Conveys a sense of ongoing change and gradual improvement.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is under construction"?

When something "is under construction", it means that it is currently being built, renovated, or developed. This can refer to physical structures, websites, or abstract projects.

What can I say instead of "is under construction"?

You can use alternatives like "is being built", "is in development", or "is in progress" depending on the context.

How do I use "is under construction" in a sentence?

Use "is under construction" to describe something that is currently being built or developed. For example, "The new school is under construction and will open next year" or "The website is under construction, so some features may not be available yet".

Which is correct: "is under construction" or "under construction"?

"Is under construction" is the grammatically complete phrase. "Under construction" can be used as a sign or label, but in a sentence, you typically need the verb "is".