work in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"work in progress" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task, project, or goal that is currently ongoing and has not yet been completed. For example: "The construction of the new hospital is a work in progress - progress has been made, but there is still much left to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's work in progress".

The New York Times - Sports

He's a work in progress.

BBC

"Work in progress," he said.

The New York Times

We are a true work in progress".

The New York Times

It's a serious work in progress.

The New York Times - Sports

The program is a work in progress.

The New York Times

But this remains a work in progress.

The Economist

U.S. is clearly a work in progress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It remains an exciting work-in-progress.

Forbes

Do work-in-progress presentations.

WikiHow

Session 3: Work-in-progress presentations.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work in progress" to honestly represent the current state of a project, avoiding premature claims of completion. This transparency builds trust and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "work in progress" as an excuse for consistently poor quality or lack of tangible results. Balance transparency with demonstrable advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work in progress" functions as a noun phrase that describes something currently under development or not yet completed. This usage is supported by numerous examples Ludwig provides, where it labels projects, plans, or even personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work in progress" is a common noun phrase used to describe something that is currently under development or not yet finished. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, the phrase maintains a neutral register. To ensure effective communication, transparency is key; utilize this phrase to honestly portray the state of a project. If you need alternatives, consider options such as "under development" or "in the works" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in progress

A shorter, more direct way of saying the same thing.

under development

Focuses on the active process of building or creating something.

in the works

Suggests that something is being planned or prepared.

being developed

Highlights the ongoing activity of improving or expanding something.

under construction

Implies physical building or creation is currently happening.

ongoing project

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the task.

in development phase

Refers specifically to the stage of creation or evolution.

unfinished business

Highlights tasks or issues that remain to be resolved or completed.

actively being pursued

Emphasizes the active effort and intention behind the ongoing task.

incomplete

Simply states that something is not finished.

FAQs

How can I use "work in progress" in a sentence?

You can use "work in progress" to describe something that is not yet finished but is currently being developed. For example: "The new software is a "work in progress", so expect some bugs."

What are some alternatives to saying "work in progress"?

Some alternatives include "under development", "in the works", or "being developed" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "work in progress" in a formal setting?

Yes, "work in progress" is generally acceptable in formal settings, but consider the audience and context. In some situations, a more specific term like "under development" might be preferred for clarity.

What's the difference between "work in progress" and "work in process"?

"Work in progress" and "work in process" are often used interchangeably, especially in business. However, "work in process" is more commonly used in accounting to refer to partially completed goods.