then under development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then under development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is currently being worked on or is in the process of being created or improved. Example: "The software update is then under development and will be released next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It recommended more complicated versions, which were then under development and later became the standard.

The New York Times - Health

He was one of 12 servicemen with backgrounds in electronics who were chosen by the Army Air Corps to test the weapon systems on the B-29 Superfortress, then under development.

The New York Times

It had been hoped to complete Mir within three years, use it for several years, and then start assembly of its successor by utilizing the Soviet version of the U.S. space shuttle, called Buran, then under development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the 1950s, NASA turned to Bulova for its Accutron technology, then under development and not yet commercially available, to accomplish its progress toward the first lunar landing.

TechCrunch

The ship was recommissioned in 1950 to serve as the trials ship for the steam catapult then under development.

Wikipedia

The detectors had to provide high speed and large area; fast ionization chambers, then under development, were the only devices then available satisfying the requirements.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The role of the colony, then, is under-development for the sake of the coloniser's development.

The Guardian - Opinion

In order to reduce the amount of structural work, the requirement to replace the boilers was cancelled and the ship would receive existing radars instead of systems then still under development.

Wikipedia

An overview of the properties of carbon nanotube materials is presented, and then four applications under development are briefly discussed.

Composites Part B: Engineering

As northern Wisconsin was not then under pressure for development by white settlers, as occurred in the Southeast, the Ojibwa were not among the first targets of the act.

Wikipedia

Formed on Nov. 1, 1987, the Miata Club of America existed even before there was a car or a name for the car then known to be under development at Mazda.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical projects or technologies, use "then under development" to clearly indicate the item's status at that specific point in time. This avoids ambiguity about when the development occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "than" instead of "then". "Then" indicates time, while "than" is used for comparisons. "The technology was "then under development"" (correct) vs. "The technology was than under development" (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then under development" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun (often a project, technology, or plan) by specifying its state of progress at a particular time in the past. Ludwig provides examples of its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "then under development" is a grammatically sound and useful way to describe something that was in progress at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English. It acts as an adjectival modifier, providing historical context about a project, technology, or plan. While its register is neutral, its usage is fairly common in contexts like News & Media, Wiki and Science. When using "then under development", it's crucial to ensure you're correctly indicating the item's state at that time, avoiding confusion with comparative terms like "than". By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "then under development" into your writing to provide clear and informative context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in development at that time

This alternative clarifies the temporal aspect using "at that time" instead of "then".

being developed at that point

This alternative uses the continuous tense "being developed" to emphasize the ongoing nature of the process, and specifies "at that point" instead of "then".

under construction during that period

This alternative shifts the focus to "construction" and uses "during that period" for temporal context.

in the process of being created then

This alternative uses the broader term "created" and rephrases the temporal aspect while retaining the original meaning.

at that stage of development

This alternative highlights the "stage" of development at a specific time.

in progress at the time

This simplifies the phrase, focusing on the "progress" aspect with a temporal marker.

underway at that moment

This alternative offers a concise substitute emphasizing the activity "underway" at a specific "moment".

being worked on then

This alternative employs a simpler vocabulary, emphasizing the action of "being worked on".

in the making at that time

This alternative offers an idiomatic expression "in the making" to convey the sense of development.

being designed at that stage

This narrows the focus to "design" as the development activity, specifying "at that stage".

FAQs

How do I use "then under development" in a sentence?

Use "then under development" to describe something that was in the process of being created or improved at a specific time in the past. For example, "The technology, "then under development", became a standard in the industry".

What can I say instead of "then under development"?

You can use alternatives like "in development at that time", "being developed at that point", or "under construction during that period" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "under development then"?

While understandable, "then under development" is the more common and natural phrasing. Placing "then" before "under development" emphasizes the temporal context more effectively.

What's the difference between "then under development" and "currently under development"?

"Then under development" refers to something that was in progress at a specific time in the past. "Currently under development" refers to something that is in progress now.