on its way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on its way' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is in transit or in the process of being moved or delivered. For example: The package is on its way and should arrive tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This one is on its way".

The New York Times

"I just helped it on its way".

Independent

It's on its way back up".

Independent

Now it's on its way back up.

Forbes

Now it's on its way to handhelds.

Forbes

It's on its way!

WikiHow

It then went on its way.

Independent

But it's also on its way.

Huffington Post

On its way to California?

The New York Times

The check's on its way.

The New Yorker

"What's not on its way?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the situation. If something is merely planned but not yet started, "in the works" might be a better fit.

Common error

Avoid using "on its way" when referring to abstract concepts or ideas that are still in the planning stage and haven't yet begun to materialize. It's more appropriate for tangible items or processes that are actively moving forward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on its way" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It commonly modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the state of being in transit or progressing toward a specific destination or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on its way" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase. It accurately describes something in transit or progressing towards a specific destination or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by its prevalence in various sources, most notably in News & Media. While the phrase has a neutral register, it can be employed effectively in both formal and informal communication contexts to convey assurance and expectation. When considering alternative phrasing, options such as "en route", "in transit", or "approaching" can be used to offer variety in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underway

Emphasizes the commencement or continuation of an activity or process.

en route

A more concise way to say something is travelling to a destination.

in progress

Focuses on the current state of development.

in transit

Focuses on the act of moving from one place to another.

being delivered

Specifically refers to the act of transportation to a destination.

coming soon

Implies something will be available in the near future, not necessarily in physical transit.

approaching

Suggests nearing a specific point or time.

in the pipeline

Describes something being developed or prepared.

on the horizon

Indicates something is likely to happen or appear in the future.

making progress

Highlights advancement towards a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "on its way" in a sentence?

You can use "on its way" to describe something that is currently being transported or progressing towards a destination. For example, "The shipment is "on its way" and should arrive tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "on its way"?

Alternatives include phrases like "en route", "in transit", or "approaching", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on it's way" instead of "on its way"?

No, "on it's way" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "on its way", where "its" is a possessive pronoun. "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has" and wouldn't be appropriate.

What's the difference between "on its way" and "about to"?

"On its way" implies that something is in transit or progressing, while "about to" suggests that something is going to happen very soon. For example, "The package is on its way" versus "The meeting is about to begin".