it's still work in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's still work in progress" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is still unfinished but progress is being made. For example, "We have made major progress on the project, but it's still work in progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

MD, Oxford A. You may have read that consumer watchdogs in the UK are threatening to take action against airlines and other travel firms over this, but it's still work in progress.

Independent

(The presenter asked not to take pictures or provide deeper information as it's still work in progress).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's still work in progress though.

Huffington Post

He added that the FCA was still "work in progress".

The Guardian - Business

But there is still work in progress.

Huffington Post

Many of these are still works in progress.

Huffington Post

In some ways, it's still a work in progress.

Forbes

— in many ways it's still a work in progress.

Los Angeles Times

"It's still a work in progress".

The New York Times

"It's still a work in progress," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's still a work in progress," Brokaw said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's still work in progress" to manage expectations, especially when delivering updates on projects or initiatives. It acknowledges current efforts while signaling that completion is pending.

Common error

Avoid using "it's still work in progress" repeatedly in short intervals, as it can undermine confidence. Instead, vary your language to describe specific advancements and remaining tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's still work in progress" functions as a comment or explanation, indicating that something is currently under development or not yet complete. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's still work in progress" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is currently under development or not yet complete. Ludwig AI validates this assessment with numerous real-world examples. It is primarily used in news and media contexts to manage expectations and provide transparency. While the phrase is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in scientific or academic settings. It's crucial to avoid overuse and vary language to maintain clarity and confidence. Key alternatives include "still under development", "still being refined", and "still taking shape".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in progress

A shorter, more direct way of saying something is underway but not finished.

still under development

Emphasizes the developmental aspect, highlighting that the item is actively being worked on.

still being refined

Focuses on the aspect of continuous improvement and polishing.

still in the pipeline

Indicates that something is in the process of being produced or finalized.

still evolving

Suggests a natural and gradual process of change and development.

still taking shape

Suggests that something is gradually forming or becoming clearer.

yet to be finalized

Highlights that the final version has not yet been reached.

development in progress

More formal construction, mainly used in business context

ongoing endeavor

Implies a sustained effort that is currently in progress.

under construction

Commonly used for physical projects, but can apply metaphorically to other types of progress.

FAQs

How can I use "it's still work in progress" in a sentence?

You can use "it's still work in progress" to indicate that something is not yet complete but is being actively developed. For example, "The design is innovative, but "it's still work in progress" and requires further refinement."

What are some alternatives to saying "it's still work in progress"?

Alternatives include "still under development", "still being refined", or "still taking shape". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it's still work in progress"?

It's appropriate when you want to communicate that a project, plan, or idea is in progress but not yet finalized. It helps manage expectations and provides transparency about the current state of affairs.

Is "it's still work in progress" formal or informal?

The phrase "it's still work in progress" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both professional and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, alternatives like "still under development" might be more suitable.