they are in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are in progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is currently being worked on or is ongoing. Example: "The renovations on the building are in progress, and we expect them to be completed by next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This week, the government announced broad restrictions on live coverage of militant attacks, saying that it would also prohibit foreign and national news media from getting close to the scene of attacks while they are in progress.

The New York Times

The office released new guidelines that invite environmental groups to identify potentially damaging side effects of international trade deals -- like damage to forests or gaps in enforcement standards -- before negotiations start and while they are in progress.

The New York Times

Neither the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Resources nor the Tahltan Central Council will comment on the nature of the negotiations while they are in progress, but McPhee did tell The Tyee online news service that she is determined to protect the Sacred Headwaters.

Huffington Post

calderoni in Colombia, they are in progress for An.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Studies of fetal human brains are uniquely able to demonstrate human cortical development and its aberrations while they are in progress.

Acta neuropathologica communications

While we agree that confirmatory studies are desirable (they are in progress), we still conclude that patients with necrotizing pancreatitis should receive antibiotic prophylaxis.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The cooks, unaware of the changes until they were in progress, frequently crowded around the chef.

The New York Times - Food

HP is working with a startup called SpeechTrans to translate conference calls while they're in progress, claiming to be able to handle conversations of any length in 44 languages.

The Guardian - Tech

That's the thing about Dota 2. Leaving games while they're in progress is heavily penalised, so if you're having a bad time you've just got to stick it out.

Vice

That's the thing about Dota 2. Leaving games while they're in progress is heavily penalized, so if you're having a bad time you've just got to stick it out.

Vice

More of the animals are likely to develop corneal opacities as they age, and studies are in progress to assess this possibility.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs to describe the type of progress being made. Instead of "they are in progress", consider "they are being developed", "they are being implemented", or "they are advancing" to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid using "they are in progress" when the nature of the "progress" is unclear. Always provide context about what is being worked on or developed to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are in progress" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that certain activities or processes are currently underway but not yet completed. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are in progress" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that conveys ongoing activities or processes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. Its use is relatively common, spanning across various contexts from news and media to science and technology. While suitable for many scenarios, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying what "they" refers to and avoiding vague applications. For alternatives, consider options like "they are underway" or "they are ongoing" for similar meanings. Understanding these nuances enables more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are underway

Replaces "in progress" with a synonym that indicates something has begun and is continuing.

they are ongoing

Similar to "underway", this option emphasizes the continuous nature of the activity.

they are happening now

Focuses on the current occurrence of the events or actions.

they are being developed

Specifically suggests that something is being actively created or improved.

they are being implemented

Implies a more formal or structured process of putting something into effect.

they are currently active

Highlights the present operational state of something.

they are being executed

Emphasizes the performance or carrying out of a plan or task.

they are unfolding

Suggests that events are gradually revealing themselves.

they are advancing

Indicates forward movement or improvement in a process or project.

they are being worked on

A more general way of saying that effort is being applied to something.

FAQs

What does "they are in progress" mean?

The phrase "they are in progress" indicates that certain activities, tasks, or projects are currently underway or being developed. It implies that these items have started but are not yet completed.

What can I say instead of "they are in progress"?

You can use alternatives like "they are underway", "they are ongoing", or "they are being developed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the works are in progress"?

Yes, "the works are in progress" is grammatically correct. It is often used in British English and can refer to construction or engineering projects that are currently underway.

How does "they are in progress" differ from "they are completed"?

"They are in progress" indicates an ongoing state, meaning the activities are underway but not finished. In contrast, "they are completed" signifies that the activities have been finished and the intended outcome has been achieved.