this is a work in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'This is a work in progress' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is unfinished or still developing. For example, "I'm experimenting with this new recipe, so it's a work in progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

This is a work in progress.

The Economist

This is a work in progress, often minimal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As I've been saying all week, this is a work in progress".

The New York Times - Sports

As I told you, this is a work in progress and finding a solution.

The New York Times

"This is a work in progress, and we're learning as we go along," he said.

The New York Times

"Let's be realistic here, this is a work in progress," Collins said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is a work-in-progress paper.

University of California, Berkeley

As with any new publication, this is a work-in-progress.

MIT Technology Review

As this is a work-in-progress, we welcome your comments and feedback.

University of California, Berkeley

We've included the following six issues in the prototype: This is a work-in-progress, and we want to know what you think.

The New York Times

However, this is a work-in-progress and the nurses will still need to chase up bits-and-pieces of information during the POA.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “this is a work in progress” to manage expectations when presenting unfinished projects or ideas. This acknowledges the current state while implying future improvements.

Common error

Avoid using “this is a work in progress” excessively, as it can diminish the perceived value or completeness of your work. Use it judiciously and balance it with demonstrable progress or clear future goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “this is a work in progress” primarily functions as a statement of status or condition. It indicates that something is currently under development, incomplete, or subject to further modification. Ludwig AI affirms this usage through numerous examples of its application across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “this is a work in progress” is a very common phrase used to indicate that something is currently under development. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While its usage is broad, remember to balance its application with clear future goals and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "still under development" may provide more specific context. This ensures effective communication and manages expectations appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still under development

Focuses on the state of being developed rather than the process itself.

currently in development

Highlights the current ongoing development phase.

under construction

Suggests a more physical or structural building process.

in the pipeline

Implies that something is planned and moving towards completion.

work in the making

Emphasizes the ongoing creation or crafting of something.

subject to change

Indicates that modifications or alterations are likely.

being refined

Focuses on the act of improving something already in existence.

evolving

Suggests a natural progression and gradual change.

in its early stages

Highlights that something is at the beginning of its development.

a developing situation

Often used to describe events that are unfolding or changing rapidly.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a work in progress" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a work in progress" to indicate that something is unfinished or still developing. For example, "The new user interface "is a work in progress", but we are actively working on improvements."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is a work in progress"?

Some alternatives include "still under development", "currently in development", or "under construction" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is a work in progress"?

It's appropriate to use "this is a work in progress" when you want to manage expectations and acknowledge that something is not yet complete or perfect. This is especially useful when presenting preliminary results or seeking feedback.

Is it better to say "work in progress" or "work in process"?

While both are understandable, "work in progress" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing. "Work in process" is less frequently used and may sound less natural to native English speakers.