the process is underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the process is underway" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular process or activity has started and is currently in progress. Example: "The application review process is underway, and we expect to make decisions by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The process is underway.

The New York Times

"The process is underway and is pending league approvals". Powell Jobs declined to comment for this story.

The Washington Post

On Wednesday, the chief executive of the National Music Publishers Association announced that the process is underway to add Ono to the song as a co-writer, Variety reported.

The Washington Post

"We are not going to use it in new products and the process is underway for identifying alternatives or changing formulations for the small number of existing products that had included triclosan among their ingredients," Avon spokeswoman, Jennifer Vargas, told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Egypt FA Media Director Azmi Megahed said the process is underway to recruit a new national side coach.

BBC

The process is underway, with leading subprime originators on the ropes (or worse) and with broad-line originators materially adjusting their underwriting standards for subprime loans.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"However, once the process was underway, they do send you letters which explain the next steps much more clearly".

Independent

American officials said the process was underway to confirm whether the Syrian government had used chemical weapons and, if so, what kind.

The New York Times

Today the capture of all communications data is routine, whether that be from phone calls, faxes or emails, all in the name of the "war on terror", naturally - but the process was underway during the cold war.

The Guardian - Opinion

In February, Hurwitz told Digital Spy that the process was underway, but couldn't say more.

Huffington Post

"The government is now collecting all the guns because the president has given a deadline... Everything is going peacefully," Nyamitwe said, asserting that there was no violence while the process was underway.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the process is underway" to clearly communicate that a specific action or series of actions has begun and is currently in progress. This is especially useful in formal communication to assure stakeholders of ongoing activity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions with "the process is underway". Sometimes, active voice provides more direct and impactful communication. For example, instead of "The review process is underway by the committee", consider "The committee is reviewing the application".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the process is underway" functions as a statement indicating that a specific action or procedure has commenced and is currently in progress. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, from business acquisitions to political changes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the process is underway" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a specific activity or procedure has begun and is currently in progress. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. It serves to inform or reassure stakeholders of ongoing activity. While the phrase is deemed perfectly acceptable and standard English, writers should also be aware of similar phrases, such as "the procedure has commenced" or "the wheels are in motion", and avoid overusing passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the procedure has commenced

Emphasizes the formal initiation of a procedure.

the wheels are in motion

Highlights the movement and progression of a plan or activity.

the project is progressing

Focuses on the advancement of a specific project.

things are in progress

A more general way to indicate that something is happening.

the work is in progress

Highlights that the work in a general sense is already in progress.

implementation is in motion

Highlights the execution and putting a plan in action.

the operation is ongoing

Highlights continuity of something.

action is being taken

Emphasizes that actions are being performed.

steps are being taken

Indicates specific steps are being executed.

the task is advancing

Focuses on the forward movement of a task.

FAQs

What does "the process is underway" mean?

It means that a particular series of actions or a specific procedure has started and is currently in progress.

What's a more formal way to say "the process is underway"?

A more formal alternative would be "the procedure has commenced".

Can I use "the process is underway" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, the phrase is better suited for professional or neutral contexts. In informal settings, consider using a more casual alternative like "things are happening".

Which is correct, "the process is underway" or "the process is under way"?

"The process is underway" is the correct spelling. "Under way" is an alternative spelling, but "underway" is more common and accepted.