underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'underway' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that is currently in progress. Example: The construction project is already underway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm already looking forward to getting the 2015-16 season underway".

The Guardian - Sport

The preparations by the "golden triangle" – cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood, the Queen's private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, and the prime minister's principal private secretary, Chris Martin – show how discreet work is underway as Whitehall gears up for a second successive hung parliament, which could prove still more complicated than the last one.

The Guardian

At a cost of £2.25m – on top of a major conservation programme that was already underway – almost all the stonework is being replaced, with tonnes of stone brought from France like the original.

The Guardian

With our US operation underway, the launch of our Google TV app is a small but positive step towards connecting these new audiences with the Guardian's journalism on an expanding platform with such a huge potential".

The Guardian

We're underway again with NSW kicking long, as is customary.

The Guardian - Sport

The US already has some military training underway.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.59pm AESThe:59 The voting is underway now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Well, the traffic light revolution is already underway.

The Guardian - Tech

At 9pm part two will get underway with a musical and theatrical extravaganza curated by DJ and arts producer Greg Thorpe.

The Guardian

They've pooh-poohed the mounting evidence that disruptive climate change is already underway.

The Guardian

And that, in turn, has implications for the reshaping of the right now underway in Britain and the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underway" to indicate that a process, project, or activity has already started and is currently in progress. For example: "The investigation is currently underway."

Common error

Avoid using "underway" as a noun. It functions primarily as an adverb or adjective. Incorrect: "The underway of the project was smooth." Correct: "The project is underway."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underway" is adverbial, modifying a verb to indicate a state of being in progress. Ludwig AI shows this in examples such as "the project is underway". It can also function as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underway" is a versatile term functioning primarily as an adverb or adjective to indicate that something is currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, formal business settings, and sports reporting. When using "underway", avoid treating it as a noun. While it's generally safe to use in most registers, ensuring clarity and avoiding misinterpretations will help you write effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in progress

Replaces "underway" with a more general term indicating that something is happening now.

in motion

Focuses on the aspect of movement and activity rather than the state of being in progress.

in operation

Suggests that something is functioning or being actively used.

being executed

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

in the works

Indicates that something is being planned or prepared, though not necessarily happening right now.

in effect

Implies that something is active and producing results.

taking place

A broader term indicating that an event or activity is happening.

on stream

Implies a continuous flow or process that has begun.

up and running

Indicates that something is fully operational and ready to be used.

in full swing

Suggests a high level of activity and progress.

FAQs

How can I use "underway" in a sentence?

Use "underway" to indicate that something has begun and is currently in progress. For example: "The negotiations are "underway"." It often appears after a form of the verb 'to be'.

What are some alternatives to using "underway"?

You can use alternatives like "in progress", "in motion", or "being executed" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the underway process"?

No, "underway" is typically used as an adverb or adjective, not a noun. A more appropriate phrasing would be "the process that is "underway"" or "the ongoing process".

What's the difference between "underway" and "ongoing"?

"Underway" indicates that something has started, while "ongoing" emphasizes the continuous nature of the activity. A project "underway" is in progress; an "ongoing" project is continuously happening.