working on it

USAGE SUMMARY

"working on it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an activity or task that you are currently doing. For example, "I'm sorry I haven't finished the report yet, I'm still working on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're working on it.

The New York Times - Arts

He's working on it.

The New York Times

"I'm working on it".

The New York Times

We're working on it".

The New York Times

He's definitely working on it.

The New York Times - Sports

They are working on it".

Independent

But he's working on it.

The New Yorker

But I'm working on it.

The New York Times

But they're working on it.

The New York Times

He's been working on it".

The New Yorker

They're still working on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context; while versatile, "working on it" might be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. In those instances consider alternatives like "addressing the issue" or "currently developing it".

Common error

Avoid using "working on it" in highly formal situations where a more professional term is expected. Opt for alternatives such as "addressing the matter" or "currently in development" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working on it" functions as a verb phrase indicating ongoing action or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses current engagement in a task. Examples show its use across diverse contexts, suggesting broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working on it" is a common and versatile phrase used to convey that a task is currently in progress. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English.

While it is widely understood and accepted, especially in news and media, it may be too informal for some professional or academic settings, where more formal alternatives may be preferred. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Economist.

When using "working on it", consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication to ensure it aligns with the expectations of your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making progress with it

Focuses on the advancement being made, rather than the work itself.

addressing the matter

Emphasizes a more formal and direct approach to dealing with an issue.

currently developing it

Specifically indicates ongoing development or creation.

giving it my attention

Emphasizes focused effort and dedication to the task.

tackling the problem

Suggests a more active and assertive engagement with a challenge.

in the process of resolving

Highlights the sequential and progressive nature of finding a solution.

handling the situation

Conveys a sense of control and management over a set of circumstances.

in the middle of it

Indicates that the task is actively underway, often with no implication of solving or fixing anything.

taking care of it

Implies responsibility and attention to a task or issue.

engaged in its completion

Highlights active involvement and a focus on finishing the task.

FAQs

How can I use "working on it" in a sentence?

"Working on it" is typically used to indicate that you are currently engaged in a task or project. For example, you might say, "I know the deadline is approaching; I'm still "working on it"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "working on it"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "addressing the matter", "tackling the problem", or "making progress with it".

Is "working on it" appropriate for professional communication?

While "working on it" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain professional settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "in the process of resolving" or "currently in development" for business correspondence.

What does it mean when someone says they are "working on it"?

It generally means that the person is actively engaged in a task or dealing with a problem and is making an effort to complete or resolve it. It implies that the task is in progress but not yet finished.