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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
work in development
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "work in development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to projects, processes, or tasks that are currently being created or improved upon. Example: "The software we are using is still a work in development, so we may encounter some bugs."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
42 human-written examples
Performances are often cross-art and experimental, ranging from work in development through to finished shows.
News & Media
After years of wanting to work in development I was finally here.
News & Media
When I first left university and wanted to work in development, I was quite a tomboy.
News & Media
By contrast, people who work in development prefer tales about bizarre schemes and massive cock-ups.
News & Media
I am a doctor and I work in development and health, I don't agree with any oppression.
News & Media
There is a saying in Guinea that is popular among those who work in development: "Everything is a priority".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
18 human-written examples
I have a degree in business management and since graduating have worked in property development.
News & Media
But some kids came in and learned, hey, I really enjoy working in development".
News & Media
Many people working in development however did not feel it went far enough on concrete commitments.
News & Media
Nowadays, many people working in development would agree with this view.
News & Media
It's the most exciting thing I have seen in the sector since I began working in development in 1992".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a project that is not yet complete, use "work in development" to clearly indicate that it is still in progress and subject to change.
Common error
Instead of broadly stating something is a "work in development", clarify what kind of work it is, for instance, "software work in development" or "theatrical work in development" for better clarity.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "work in development" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to describe the state of a project or task that is currently underway and not yet finalized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it describing software, theatrical productions, and economic strategies.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "work in development" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe projects or tasks that are currently underway but not yet complete. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Appearing frequently in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business, it serves to manage expectations and provide context for ongoing efforts. Alternatives like "under development" or "in progress" offer similar meanings, while understanding its usage helps avoid ambiguity by specifying the type of work involved. Mastering this phrase enhances clarity in both professional and general communications.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
under development
This alternative is more concise, omitting "work in" while retaining the core meaning.
in progress
This alternative focuses on the ongoing nature of the work, rather than its developmental stage.
being developed
This alternative is a passive construction that emphasizes the process of development.
in the works
This alternative is more informal and suggests that something is being planned or prepared.
developmental stage
This alternative emphasizes the particular stage of development of a work.
work being created
This alternative uses a gerund to highlight the creation process.
in the pipeline
This alternative suggests that the work is part of a series of projects that are being developed.
currently developing
This alternative highlights the current active effort toward development.
under construction
This alternative is typically used for physical structures but can be metaphorically applied to projects.
actively developing
This alternative stresses the active and continuous aspect of the development effort.
FAQs
How can I use "work in development" in a sentence?
You can use "work in development" to describe something that is currently being created or improved. For example, "The new feature is still a "work in development", so expect some changes."
What are some alternatives to "work in development"?
Some alternatives include "under development", "in progress", or "being developed", depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to say "a work in development" or should it be "work in development"?
Both are grammatically correct, but "work in development" is more commonly used as a general term. "A work in development" implies a specific project, such as "This play is a "work in development"".
What is the difference between "work in development" and "completed work"?
"Work in development" refers to something that is still being created or improved, while "completed work" refers to something that is finished and ready for use or presentation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested