Is it correct to say work in progress?

Quick Answer

Yes, it is generally acceptable to use the phrase “work in progress” in modern English. This expression refers to something that is currently being developed or constructed but is not yet complete. It is often abbreviated as “WIP.” While some traditional grammar guides advise against split infinitives like “to be in progress,” this phrase is now widely used in everyday language.

What Does “Work in Progress” Mean?

The term “work in progress” refers to a project, task, or piece of work that is underway but not yet finished. For example:

• The new website is still a work in progress. The developers hope to launch it next month.
• My dissertation is a work in progress. I’m still conducting research and writing the early chapters.
• The building renovation is a major work in progress that is disrupting daily operations.

In these sentences, “work in progress” indicates the website, dissertation, and renovation have all begun but are in unfinished states. Calling something a “work in progress” suggests it is actively being developed and is mid-process.

The phrase is often used to set expectations that something is coming along but not ready. It implies the project is ongoing rather than stalled. The expression can signal there is still progress to be made before completion.

Origin of the Phrase

The Oxford English Dictionary’s earliest citation for “work in progress” is from 1596:

“A woorke in progresse, to be perfected by industry.”

This early usage shows the term was used to describe an unfinished work even in the 16th century.

The phrase became more commonly used in the 1800s and early 1900s. For example, an 1849 edition of Punch magazine included the sentence:

“At present the work is in progress, and we have nothing more to add.”

During the 20th century, “work in progress” became a standard way to describe ongoing projects across many fields including engineering, business, academia, and the arts. Published books sometimes included the abbreviation “WIP” on draft manuscripts that were still being written and edited.

Is It Grammatically Correct?

Some prescriptive grammar guides argue it is incorrect to split an infinitive – that is, placing another word between the “to” and the verb in an infinitive phrase. By this rule, “to be in progress” should not be divided.

However, modern linguists and grammarians agree most split infinitives do not break any real grammatical rules. They are widely accepted in everyday speech and writing. The phrase “to boldly go where no one has gone before” is a famous example where avoiding a split infinitive results in awkwardness.

In short:

• Splitting infinitives is not strictly ungrammatical, though it was once discouraged.
• “Work in progress” follows standard modern English grammar conventions.
• It is perfectly acceptable to use this phrase, especially in informal contexts.

Avoiding the split infinitive can sound excessively formal, stilted or ambiguous, as in “to be progressing” or “work progressing.” “Work in progress” is clear, succinct and idiomatic.

When Should You Use It?

Here are some situations where it is appropriate and helpful to describe something as a “work in progress”:

• To explain delays or set expectations: When a project is taking longer than expected, calling it a work in progress indicates that progress is continuing, just not yet complete.
• To ask for feedback: Creators often share early drafts and seek comments by noting the work is not finished.
• To avoid perfectionism: The phrase embraces the iterative nature of most creative work.
• To motivate teams: It suggests effort is being invested and forward movement is happening.
• To be transparent: In business or politics, it shows current status rather than offering excuses.

In all cases, describing something as a work in progress emphasizes it is an ongoing process with more work to be done. The phrase signals progress while managing expectations.

Common Uses of “Work in Progress”

Some specific contexts where “work in progress” is widely used include:

• Academic research and scientific studies
• Policy, legislation and political processes
• Construction and building projects
• Software, app and technology development
• Creative works like novels, films, paintings

For example, academics may publish their theories as works in progress open to revision. Government agencies might release policy roadmaps in draft form for public feedback.

Creative industries like film and videogames also make extensive use of “work in progress.” Effects shots, character animations and gameplay mechanics are often showcased even when incomplete to demonstrate development is on track.

Alternatives to “Work in Progress”

There are a few other ways to indicate something is unfinished while underway:

• Under development/construction
• A draft/early version
• Ongoing project
• Upcoming release/launch
• Still in progress

However, “work in progress” is often the most succinct, recognizable and idiomatic choice. In some contexts, alternatives have slightly different connotations:

• “Under construction” suggests building or creation of something physical.
• “Early version” indicates incomplete status but not active development.
• “Still in progress” emphasizes continuity from a prior state but not
  forward momentum.

“Work in progress” covers all these aspects of being actively unfinished in a simple, well-understood phrase.

Examples of Using “Work in Progress” Formally vs. Informally

“Work in progress” appears in both formal and informal contexts:

Formal Use

Formal settings where “work in progress” may be used include:

• Research papers: “This framework represents our work in progress on modeling climate change impacts.”
• Project management documents: “The backend database migration is still a work in progress.”
• Policy reports: “We will address this issue in the next version as this policy is still a work in progress.”
• Proposals and documentation: “Below is our team’s work in progress on designing the user interface.”

In these examples, “work in progress” acts as technical terminology for unfinished work. The phrase communicates transparency about status.

Informal Use

More casual usage examples include:

• Emails: “Attached is my work in progress on the Smith account for your review.”
• Social media posts: “Here’s a work in progress shot from my latest painting!”
• Conversations: “How’s your dissertation coming along?” “Oh, it’s a work in progress, I still have a ways to go.”
• Signage: “Pardon our mess! New garden under construction – work in progress.”

In informal settings, “work in progress” expresses that something is still evolving without being fully complete. The phrase softens expectations and acknowledges development takes time.

Key Takeaways About “Work in Progress”

In summary:

• “Work in progress” is a widely used English phrase referring to an ongoing project that is unfinished.
• It has been a standard expression since the 1800s and is grammatically acceptable despite splitting an infinitive.
• The term helpfully conveys transparency and tempers expectations for unfinished work across many professional and personal contexts.
• “Work in progress” signals forward momentum on something being actively developed.

Next time you have a project in development, do not hesitate to call it a work in progress. The phrase succinctly indicates its status while conveying progress towards eventual completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it unprofessional to call something a work in progress?

No, it is not unprofessional. Describing an ongoing project as a work in progress shows transparency about current status. It is often better than making excuses or overpromising on delivery timelines before something is complete. The phrase demonstrates progress is actively happening.

When should you avoid saying work in progress?

You may want to avoid using the phrase if progress has completely stalled and there is no current work being done. The term “on hold” may be more accurate in cases where a project is paused or delayed indefinitely.

Can work in progress be used as a noun or adjective?

Yes, “work in progress” functions as both a noun phrase and adjective:

• Noun: “Several works in progress were shown at the exhibition.”
• Adjective: “I marked my paper as a work-in-progress draft.”

Is work in progress hyphenated when used as an adjective?

Work in progress can be hyphenated as “work-in-progress” when used as an adjective modifying a noun. This form is common but the unhyphenated form is also accepted.