was in development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was in development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project, product, or idea that is currently being created or improved upon. Example: "The new software application was in development for over a year before its official release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sainsbury's Nine Elms scheme was in development for a decade.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Browne said the new target was in development.

The New York Times

Once his game was in development, Bleszinski became more involved with the company.

The New Yorker

"The Poor Itch" was in development at the Public Theater at the time.

The New York Times

The series was in development at 20th Century Fox Television for a year and a half.

The New York Times

IN the indictment, prosecutors contend that Enron never disclosed at the Jan . 20meeting that BOS was in development.

The New York Times

The play was in development for several years before landing on Broadway.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Others are in development.

The New York Times

(A mobile app is in development).

The New York Times

Several such films are in development.

The New York Times - Tech

(An Android version is in development).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was in development", provide context about the project's goals or expected outcomes. This helps readers understand the purpose and significance of the development process.

Common error

Avoid using "was in development" when referring to ongoing projects. Use "is in development" or "is being developed" for current projects to accurately reflect the present state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was in development" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating that a particular entity (e.g. a product, project, or system) was undergoing a process of creation, modification, or enhancement at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Huffington Post

5%

Los Angeles Times

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was in development" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a project or product undergoing creation or improvement in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It appears most commonly in news and media, scientific publications, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are referring to past projects and avoid using it for ongoing projects. Consider alternatives like "was being developed" or "was under development" to provide context and avoid confusion. With these guidelines, you can confidently use "was in development" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was under construction

Focuses on the physical creation aspect.

was being created

Highlights the act of creation, emphasizing the process.

was being planned

Emphasizes the planning and preparation stages.

was being designed

Focuses on the design aspect of the process.

was being formulated

Highlights a careful and methodical creation.

was being prepared

Emphasizes readiness and anticipation.

was in the works

More informal way to express that something is being developed.

was in progress

Highlights that a project is underway.

was on the drawing board

Implies that the project is still in the initial planning phases.

was gestating

Suggests a longer period of development, implying growth and evolution.

FAQs

How do I use "was in development" in a sentence?

Use "was in development" to describe a project, product, or idea that /s/was+being+created or improved upon in the past. For example: "The software application was in development for over a year before its release."

What can I say instead of "was in development"?

You can use alternatives such as "was being developed", "was under development", or "was in the works" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "was in development" and "is in development"?

"Was in development" refers to something that /s/has+been+developed in the past, while "is in development" refers to something that is currently being created.

Is it correct to say "the project was in developments"?

No, the correct phrase is "the project was in development". The word "development" is a non-count noun, so it does not have a plural form in this context.