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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
on going
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
39 human-written examples
And keep on going".
News & Media
They kept on going.
News & Media
"I just kept on going".
News & Media
So I kept on going.
News & Media
"But this thing just keeps on going".
News & Media
"We just kept on going," Brodeur said.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
21 human-written examples
The investigation is on-going.
Wiki
These studies are currently on-going.
Science
End Time: On-Going.
News & Media
Inquiries are on-going".
News & Media
Is on-going.
Academia
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'.
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".
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
ongoing
This is the grammatically correct and most direct replacement for "on going", indicating something that is currently in progress.
in progress
Replaces "on going" with a common phrase denoting that something is currently happening or being worked on.
continuing
Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of an action or state, similar to "on going" but grammatically sound.
currently happening
More descriptive, explicitly stating that something is taking place at the present time.
underway
A concise term for something that has started and is progressing.
still in effect
Focuses on the persistence of a rule, law, or condition.
remaining in force
Similar to "still in effect", stressing the continued validity or power of something.
being developed
Highlights the active process of creation or improvement.
in the works
An idiomatic expression indicating that something is being planned or prepared.
proceeding
Indicates forward movement or continuation of an action or process.
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?
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested