we are still working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we are still working' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you and the people you work with are still in the process of doing something, and it has not been completed yet. For example, "We are still working to complete the project by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We are still working on a regulation".

The New York Times

We are still working it out".

The New York Times

"We are still working on improving them".

The New York Times

"We are still working out the boundaries.

The Guardian - Books

"We are still working on that".

The Guardian

We are still working on the label.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are still working to our original delivery dates".

Independent

But even now, we are still working on both.

The New York Times - Health

We are still working to identify his body.

Independent

"We are still working the land like normal".

The Guardian

"We are still working in good faith to resolve this".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are still working" to provide updates on projects or tasks that are not yet finished. This provides transparency and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Always provide some context when using the phrase "we are still working". Without context, it can sound vague and unhelpful. Instead of just saying "We are still working on it", try "We are still working on the design and expect to have a draft ready by next week."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are still working" functions as a statement of ongoing activity or process. It communicates that effort is being continuously applied to a task or project, indicating a state of incompletion. As Ludwig indicates, this is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are still working" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a task or project is currently in progress. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for use in a variety of contexts, but is most often found in news and media. When using the phrase, provide context to ensure clarity and manage expectations effectively. Alternatives such as "we are continuing our efforts" or "we remain engaged in" can be used to vary your language while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are continuing our efforts

This alternative emphasizes the continuation of effort towards a goal.

we are currently developing

Highlights the ongoing development aspect of the work.

we are in the process of completing

Focuses on the action of completing something, which is still ongoing.

work is underway

A more passive way of saying that work is happening.

we remain engaged in

Highlights continued involvement or engagement in a particular task or project.

we're currently undertaking

Emphasizes current execution and action.

we are actively pursuing

Emphasizes the active and continuous nature of the work being done.

we're still in development

Highlights that the focus is on evolution and not on completion.

we haven't finished yet

A more direct and informal way of saying that the work is still ongoing.

we're making progress

Indicates that there is development and headway, even if the task is incomplete.

FAQs

What does "we are still working" mean?

The phrase "we are still working" indicates that a task, project, or effort is currently in progress and has not yet been completed. It implies continued effort and ongoing development.

What are some alternative ways to say "we are still working"?

You can use alternatives such as "we are continuing our efforts", "we remain engaged in", or "we are actively pursuing" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we are still working" in professional communication?

Yes, "we are still working" is suitable for professional communication, especially when providing updates on projects or tasks. However, it's best to provide some context or details about the progress being made.

How can I make "we are still working" sound more proactive?

To sound more proactive, include specific details about what you are working on and when you expect to have it completed. For example, instead of just saying "we are still working on it", say "We are still working on the report and expect to have a draft ready by Friday".