still working on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still working on" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It indicates that the speaker or writer is currently continuing their efforts on a task or project. Example: "I haven't finished the report yet, I'm still working on it." This sentence implies that the writer is currently in the process of completing the report.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm still working on that one.

The New York Times

Still working on that one.

Huffington Post

We are still working on that one.

Huffington Post

Science is still working on that one.

WikiHow

We're still working on that last one.

The New York Times

"We're still working on that".

The New Yorker

I'm still working on this.

The New York Times

They're still working on it.

The New York Times

(I'm still working on it).

The New York Times

They're still working on this.

The New York Times

Still working on it.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still working on" to clearly communicate that a task is in progress but not yet complete. This sets expectations and avoids misunderstandings about project timelines.

Common error

Avoid using "still working on" without providing any context about what you are working on or when you expect to complete it. This can leave the other party feeling uninformed and frustrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still working on" functions as a declarative statement indicating the continuation of effort on a task or project. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct. Examples show diverse applications from personal endeavors to professional assignments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still working on" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating ongoing effort on a task or project. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used. Its grammatical function is declarative, and its primary purpose is to inform others about the current status of an activity. The phrase is neutral in register and widely applicable across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context and avoid vagueness to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under development

States that something is in the process of being created or improved.

being developed

Similar to "under development" but with a slightly more passive voice.

currently developing

Focuses on the development aspect of the ongoing work.

continuing to develop

Stresses the ongoing nature of the development process.

presently engaged in

Highlights the current involvement in a particular activity.

actively pursuing

Implies a proactive and energetic approach to the task.

in the process of completing

Emphasizes the act of finishing something that is already underway.

making progress with

Indicates that advancements are being made, although the task is not yet finished.

yet to finalize

Highlights the fact that the task has not reached the final stage.

in the middle of

Suggests that the task is ongoing and at a stage between beginning and end.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "still working on" to sound more professional?

Consider using phrases like "currently developing", "under development", or "in progress" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "still working on" and "working on"?

"Working on" simply indicates that you are engaged in a task. "Still working on" implies that you have been working on it for some time and haven't finished yet. The "still" adds emphasis to the duration or ongoing nature of the task.

Is it appropriate to use "still working on" in a business email?

Yes, it's appropriate as long as you provide sufficient context and a reasonable timeframe. For example, "I'm "still working on" the proposal and expect to have it to you by end of day."

What other phrases can I use instead of "I am still working on" to indicate ongoing effort?

You could say "I am currently developing", "I am "actively pursuing"", or "I am "making progress with depending on the specific context"."