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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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on going

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on going" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form is "ongoing," which is used to describe something that is currently in progress or continuing. Example: "The ongoing project has received additional funding to expand its scope."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

And keep on going".

News & Media

The New York Times

They kept on going.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I just kept on going".

News & Media

The New York Times

So I kept on going.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"But this thing just keeps on going".

News & Media

The New York Times

"We just kept on going," Brodeur said.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The investigation is on-going.

These studies are currently on-going.

End Time: On-Going.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Inquiries are on-going".

News & Media

Independent

Is on-going.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the term "ongoing" instead of "on going" in formal writing to ensure grammatical correctness. While "on going" may be understood, it's not considered standard English.

Common error

Avoid writing "on going" as two separate words. Instead, use "ongoing" as a single word to describe something currently in progress. For example, write 'The project is ongoing' not 'The project is on going'.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on going" is primarily used as an adjective phrase intended to modify a noun, describing something that is currently happening or in progress. However, it's important to note that, as indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is the single word "ongoing".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "on going" appears in various sources, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies the correct term as the single word "ongoing". This analysis shows that although the phrase is relatively common, especially in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, it's advisable to use "ongoing" to maintain grammatical accuracy, particularly in formal and professional contexts. Remember to use alternative phrases like "in progress" or "continuing" when appropriate to add variety to your writing.

FAQs

Is "on going" grammatically correct?

No, "on going" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "ongoing", which is an adjective that means currently taking place or continuing.

What's the difference between "on going" and "ongoing"?

"On going" is an incorrect, two-word phrase. "Ongoing" is the correct single-word adjective used to describe something that is currently happening or in progress.

When should I use "ongoing" in a sentence?

Use "ongoing" when you want to describe a process, project, or situation that is currently in progress and continuing. For example, "The "ongoing" investigation is expected to conclude next month".

What are some alternatives to using the word "ongoing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in progress", "continuing", "current", or "underway". Choose the word that best fits the specific situation you are describing.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: