is working on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is working on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is currently engaged in a task or project. Example: "She is working on her thesis and hopes to finish it by the end of the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I know what everybody is working on.

The New York Times

But the Senate is working on it.

The New York Times

The NHS is working on goodwill.

The Guardian

She is working on her manuscript now.

The New York Times

He is working on three books concurrently.

Independent

Allen Iverson is working on a comeback.

The New York Times

Apple says it is working on it.

The New York Times - Tech

She is working on her next.

The New York Times

(He is working on a prototype).

The New York Times - Food

Perhaps Apple is working on it.

The New Yorker

It says it is working on nominations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is working on" to clearly indicate that someone is actively involved in a task or project at the present time.

Common error

Don't use "is working on" when a more specific verb could provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of saying "The team is working on improvements", specify "The team is implementing improvements" or "The team is designing improvements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is working on" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. It indicates an ongoing action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and commonly employed across diverse written and spoken contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is working on" is a grammatically sound and exceptionally common verb phrase used to describe an ongoing activity or project. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Appearing frequently in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, this phrase serves to inform about current endeavors. When writing, consider using more specific verbs to enhance clarity but be confident in using "is working on" when describing tasks in progress. Alternatives include phrases like "is engaged in" or "is currently developing" to add nuance. Its widespread usage and clear meaning make "is working on" a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in the process of

Highlights the procedural aspect of the work.

is currently developing

Emphasizes the ongoing process of creation or improvement.

is involved in

Suggests participation or connection to a task or project.

is engaged in

Focuses more on the active involvement in a process.

is undertaking

Implies a formal or significant project.

is focused on

Stresses the concentration and attention given to the task.

is occupied with

Suggests being busy or preoccupied with a task.

is busy with

Simply states that someone is occupied with a task.

is pursuing

Highlights the active chasing or striving towards a goal.

is dedicated to

Indicates a strong commitment and focus on the task.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is working on"?

You can use alternatives like "is engaged in", "is currently developing", or "is in the process of" depending on the context.

Is "is working on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is working on" is grammatically correct. It is a present continuous tense verb phrase indicating an ongoing action or task.

How to use "is working on" in a sentence?

You can use "is working on" to describe what someone is currently doing. For example, "She is working on her thesis" or "The company is working on a new product".

What's the difference between "is working on" and "will work on"?

"Is working on" indicates a current, ongoing activity, while "will work on" indicates a future activity. For instance, "He is working on the report now" means he's doing it now, while "He will work on the report tomorrow" means he'll do it in the future.