it is a work in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a work in progress" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not yet finished or completed, but is still being worked on or developed. Example: "The new website design is not perfect yet, but it is definitely a work in progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Lifestyle

Tech

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think that's its appeal is that it is a work in progress.

The New York Times

It is a work in progress.

The New York Times

According to the company, it is a work in progress.

The New York Times - Food

As ever, it is a work in progress.

The Guardian

It is a work in progress, but it is there.

The New York Times

I admit it is a work in progress.

The Guardian

Like Nagada, it is a work in progress.

The New York Times

It is a work in progress, to be sure.

The New York Times

For Ibanez, though, it is a work in progress, and he accepts that.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a work in progress all the time," said Whatmore, an Australian.

The New York Times - Sports

"So far, it is a work in progress," General Carter said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it is a work in progress" with a specific timeline or plan to provide additional context. For example, "The feature is a work in progress, and we plan to release an updated version next quarter."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it is a work in progress" without offering any details about the progress or next steps. This can leave your audience feeling uninformed and uncertain. Instead, provide specific information about what's being worked on and when improvements can be expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a work in progress" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something is currently under development or in a state of ongoing improvement. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

3%

Tech

2%

Books

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a work in progress" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe something that is currently being developed or improved. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and academia. The phrase serves to manage expectations, providing transparency about the current state of the subject. Consider alternatives like "still under development" or "currently being developed" to vary your language. When using the phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context and next steps to keep your audience informed and engaged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's still under development

Focuses on the developmental aspect, highlighting that the process is ongoing.

it is currently being developed

Emphasizes the current state of development and the active nature of the process.

it's in the pipeline

Suggests that the item is in the process of being created or produced.

it's not yet finalized

Highlights the lack of a final version or completion.

it is evolving

Indicates continuous change and improvement over time.

it's in a state of flux

Suggests that the item is subject to change and instability.

it's still in its early stages

Focuses on the initial phase of development.

it's a developing situation

Highlights the evolving nature of a situation or project.

it's subject to change

Emphasizes the potential for future modifications.

it's being refined

Indicates that the item is undergoing a process of improvement and polishing.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is a work in progress" to indicate that something is currently being developed or improved. For example, "The website's design "is a work in progress", and we plan to launch the updated version soon."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is a work in progress"?

You can use alternatives like "still under development", "currently being developed", or "evolving" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "it is a work in progress" can be used in formal writing to transparently communicate the current status of a project or initiative. However, ensure you provide context and next steps.

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

"It is a work in progress" indicates that something is not yet finished and is still being developed. In contrast, "it is complete" signifies that something is finalized and no further work is needed.