English Reference
Prepositional phrase

in progress

prepositional phrase.
B1 Intermediate

prepositional phrase.happening right now and not yet finished.

prepositional phrase.currently happening or being carried out; indicates an ongoing state of development or activity that has not reached completion.


SIMPLE

The construction work is still in progress.

CONTEXTUAL

Please be quiet in the hallway because there is an examination in progress.

COMPLEX

The report highlights several projects currently in progress that aim to revitalize the city's industrial waterfront.

Usage

often follows a noun or the verb 'to be'; it does not take an article.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'underway' (more formal) and 'happening' (more general); it is frequently seen on signs to indicate active work or events.

Pitfall
The work is in the progress.The work is in progress.

the phrase is a fixed prepositional idiom and does not take a definite article.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Updated