while in the process of

USAGE SUMMARY

"while in the process of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is ongoing or in progress. For example: "John was trying to save money while in the process of renovating his house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

DiskJokke recorded it while in the process of splitting up with his long-term girlfriend – and eventually leaving her and their baby daughter.

The Guardian - Music

In 1914 he had surgery for the removal of his appendix, and, while in the process of recovery, he committed suicide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the same year, he was arrested in Algiers by the French military authorities while in the process of negotiating peace terms with the French premier, Guy Mollet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transgender individuals who resort to unprescribed hormones while in the process of changing their sex risk infection and other side effects.

The New York Times

"Must rush or the Astors and Vanderbilts will think I'm not coming," he writes teasingly from New York in 1921, while in the process of taking that city by storm and sending the good news home to England.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm a slow researcher and a slower writer," he said one recent afternoon, while in the process of readjusting himself to daylight so he can promote the new book during hours when other people are awake.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We have never had a seizure, convulsion or spasm while engaged in the process of communication.

The New York Times - Books

It was the most revolting concoction imaginable, yet we downed it in swift, greedy gulps, dead drunk while still in the process of drinking.

The New Yorker

This means that during its first five-year term, while still in the process of rotating in political allies, a Chinese administration is essentially a lame duck.

Forbes

If the participant needs support at the workplace, the participant may receive five additional sessions of coaching while being in the process of RTW.

BMC Cancer

Some authors prefer to edit while still in the process of writing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while in the process of" to clearly indicate that an action occurred concurrently with another ongoing activity. This helps to establish a temporal relationship between the two events.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex alternatives when "while in the process of" clearly conveys the intended meaning. Simpler language often improves clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while in the process of" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing of an action. It clarifies that the action is happening concurrently with another ongoing activity. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while in the process of" is a commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating that an action is happening concurrently with another ongoing activity. It's considered grammatically correct and is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, as indicated by Ludwig. The phrase helps to establish temporal relationships, offering clarity and detail. When writing, consider the best practices provided, such as using the phrase to enhance clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity, as well as reviewing the available alternatives to prevent repetitive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while engaged in

Focuses on being involved or occupied in the process.

while undertaking

Highlights the act of taking on or commencing something.

during the course of

Focuses on the duration of the action.

as someone is executing

Focuses on the carrying out or performing of the task.

as one is doing

Highlights the ongoing action.

as one is performing

Emphasizes the act of carrying out the actions involved.

whilst undertaking

More formal alternative, emphasizing the undertaking of the action.

as they were undergoing

Emphasizes the experience of the action.

during the operation of

Highlights the process of being functional or active.

during the execution of

Focuses on the performance of a plan or task.

FAQs

How can I use "while in the process of" in a sentence?

Use "while in the process of" to indicate that an action occurs during another ongoing activity. For example: "She learned Spanish "while in the process of traveling" through South America."

What are some alternatives to "while in the process of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "during", "as", or "while engaged in". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "while in the process of doing something"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. For instance: "They finalized the deal "while in the process of negotiating" the contract terms."

What is the difference between "while in the process of" and "during"?

"While in the process of" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action, whereas "during" simply indicates that something happened within a specific timeframe. For example, "He discovered the error "during the review"" is less specific than "He discovered the error "while in the process of reviewing" the document".