# in progress

CEFR B1 · Prepositional phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/in-progress
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

happening right now and not yet finished.

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

## Examples

- The construction work is still in progress.
- Please be quiet in the hallway because there is an examination in progress.
- The report highlights several projects currently in progress that aim to revitalize the city's industrial waterfront.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The work is in the progress." but "The work is in progress." — the phrase is a fixed prepositional idiom and does not take a definite article.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.