was under development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was under development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project, product, or idea that is currently being worked on or is in the process of being created. Example: "The new software application was under development for several months before its official release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The script, by the filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, was under development by Warner Brothers.

The New York Times

Beauchamp said the scheme was under development and required legislative changes.

The Guardian

In response, the agency told the Inspector General's office that one was under development.

The Washington Post

At the same time the roller press was under development in Germany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A pilot programme involving several courts was under development and is due to be formally launched later this year.

The Guardian

Its estimate includes another $1.2 billion in foregone returns investors would have otherwise seen while the drug was under development.

The Washington Post

So the current campus plan, which was under development in 2006 and released last January, runs through 2016.

Princeton University

A novel nickel-based superalloy INCONEL 740 was under development for application in ultra-supercritical superheater tubers above 750°C.

Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters)

Had Boston Scientific known of Saffran's patent while the stent was under development, it most likely would have invented around his technology.

Harvard Business Review

The environment department said a national recovery plan was "under development" with state and territory governments, although there was no date for its release.

The Guardian

G.M. says it concealed the Volt's operational details while the car was under development for competitive reasons, protecting its intellectual property until the patents were approved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was under development" to describe projects, products, or features that are actively being created or improved, clearly indicating they are not yet in their final, released state.

Common error

Avoid using "was under development" to refer to projects that have already been launched or completed. This phrase indicates an ongoing process, so using it for finished work can cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was under development" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction. It describes the state of something being in the process of development or creation. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it indicates an ongoing activity in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was under development" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe projects, products, or features that were in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides many examples across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general reference materials. While suitable for formal communication, it maintains a generally neutral register. Remember to use it accurately to avoid confusion about the current status of a project.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was being developed

Focuses on the action of developing rather than the state of being under development.

was in the process of being developed

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the development process.

was in progress

A more general term indicating that something is happening but not necessarily related to development.

was being worked on

Informal way of saying something was in the process of development.

was in the works

Suggests that something is planned or being prepared.

was on the drawing board

Implies something is in the initial stages of planning and design.

was taking shape

Indicates that something is gradually becoming more defined and complete.

was gestating

Suggests a longer, more organic period of development.

was brewing

Implies something is secretly or quietly being developed.

was cooking

An informal expression suggesting something is being prepared.

FAQs

How can I use "was under development" in a sentence?

You can use "was under development" to describe a project, product, or feature that is in the process of being created or improved. For example, "The new app "was under development" for six months before its release."

What's a more formal alternative to "was under development"?

A more formal alternative could be "was being developed" or "was in the process of being developed". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Can I use "is under development" instead of "was under development"?

Yes, but the tense should match the time frame you're referring to. Use "is under development" for projects currently in progress, and ""was under development"" for projects that were in progress at a specific time in the past.

Is it correct to say "under development" without "was" or "is"?

While "under development" can be used as an adjective (e.g., "the under-development project"), it typically requires a verb like "is" or "was" to form a complete sentence. Saying "the project under development" is grammatically correct, but less common than "the project "was under development"".