In Process vs In Progress: Which Phrase Is Correct? 2026

Have you ever wondered whether to write “in process” or “in progress” in an email, work update, or everyday conversation? Both phrases describe something that has started but is not yet finished. However, they are not always interchangeable.

“In progress” is the more common choice when you want to say that a task, project, or activity is currently happening. “In process” usually refers to something going through a particular procedure, system, or series of steps.

For example, you might say, “The project is in progress” to show that work is underway. However, you could write, “Your application is in process” to indicate that it is moving through an administrative procedure, although “being processed” often sounds more natural in this context.

What Does “In Progress” Mean?

“In progress” means that something has started but has not yet been completed. It describes an activity, task, project, event, or action that is currently happening.

It is one of the most natural and widely used expressions in English.

For example:

• The construction work is in progress.
• My application is in progress.
• The meeting is in progress.
• The project is still in progress.
• Repairs are in progress.

In each example, the activity has already started and is continuing.

Simple Meaning of “In Progress”

You can think of “in progress” as meaning:

Currently happening or being completed.

It does not necessarily tell us when something will finish. It simply tells us that the activity is not finished yet.

For example:

The work is in progress.

This means the work has started and is still continuing.

What Does “In Process” Mean?

“In process” can mean that something is being handled as part of a particular process or procedure. However, in standard everyday English, it is less common than “in progress.”

Native speakers often prefer more specific expressions such as:

• in the process
• being processed
• in progress

For example, instead of saying:

Your application is in process.

A more natural sentence is:

Your application is being processed.

Or:

Your application is in progress.

The phrase “in the process” is also very common when referring to a process that someone is going through or something that is happening as part of a larger activity.

For example:

We are in the process of moving to a new office.

Here, “in the process of” is the natural construction.

In Process vs In Progress: The Main Difference

The easiest way to understand in process vs in progress is to remember that “in progress” generally focuses on an activity that is currently happening, while “in the process” often emphasizes a procedure or series of steps.

Consider these examples:

The project is in progress.

This means the project has started and is currently being worked on.

Now consider:

We are in the process of completing the project.

This emphasizes the steps or procedure involved in completing the project.

Quick Comparison

Expression	General Meaning	Common Usage
In progress	Something is currently happening	Projects, work, meetings, construction
In process	Something is being handled through a process	Less common by itself
In the process	Going through a particular process	“In the process of doing something”
Being processed	Something is currently being handled	Applications, payments, orders

The key point is that “in progress” is usually the better choice when you simply want to say that something is happening now.

Is “In Process” Correct English?

Yes, “in process” can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, but it is not always the most natural expression.

This is where many English learners become confused.

For example:

The application is in process.

You may encounter this sentence, especially in certain regional varieties of English or administrative language. However, many native English speakers would prefer:

The application is being processed.

or:

The application is in progress.

Another common and natural expression is:

We are in the process of reviewing your application.

So, rather than asking only whether “in process” is correct, it is better to consider the context.

Is “In Progress” Correct English?

Yes. “In progress” is completely standard and widely accepted English.

It is commonly used in:

• Business communication
• Websites
• Software applications
• Customer service
• Construction
• Education
• Project management
• Everyday conversations
• Technical writing

Examples include:

Your order is in progress.

The update is in progress.

The examination is currently in progress.

The investigation is still in progress.

The renovation is in progress.

These sentences sound natural and clear.

In Progress vs In the Process

A particularly important distinction is between “in progress” and “in the process.”

In Progress

“In progress” describes something that is happening or continuing.

Example:

The renovation is in progress.

The renovation has started and has not finished.

In the Process

“In the process” usually refers to being involved in or going through a series of actions.

Example:

We are in the process of renovating the house.

This emphasizes the procedure or series of steps.

More examples:

She is in the process of changing jobs.

They are in the process of buying a new house.

We are in the process of preparing the report.

The company is in the process of hiring new employees.

Notice the common structure:

in the process of + verb-ing

For example:

in the process of learning

in the process of building

When Should You Use “In Progress”?

Use “in progress” when you want to communicate that an activity has started and is still happening.

1. For Projects

The new website is in progress.

The development project is still in progress.

Our marketing campaign is in progress.

2. For Construction

Road construction is in progress.

Building work is currently in progress.

Repairs are in progress.

3. For Meetings

The meeting is currently in progress.

The conference is in progress.

The discussion is still in progress.

4. For Applications

Your application is in progress.

The registration process is still in progress.

However, depending on the exact meaning, “being processed” may be even more precise for applications.

5. For Technical Work

The software update is in progress.

The installation is in progress.

The system upgrade is currently in progress.

When Should You Use “In Process”?

Use “in process” carefully because it is less natural in many everyday sentences.

If you mean that something is currently being handled, alternatives are often better.

Instead of:

Your payment is in process.

You can say:

Your payment is being processed.

Instead of:

Your order is in process.

You can say:

Your order is being processed.

Instead of:

The application is in process.

You can say:

The application is being processed.

For general activities, use:

The work is in progress.

Therefore, “in process” should not automatically replace “in progress.”

“In Process” vs “In the Process Of”

This small word “the” makes a significant difference.

Compare:

The company is in process.

This sounds incomplete or unnatural in most contexts.

Now:

The company is in the process of expanding.

This is natural.

The structure is:

Subject + be + in the process of + verb-ing

Examples:

We are in the process of updating our website.

She is in the process of finding a new job.

They are in the process of moving to another city.

I am in the process of learning English.

The company is in the process of developing a new product.

Common Mistake: Using “In Process” Everywhere

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that “in process” and “in progress” can always replace each other.

They cannot.

For example:

❌ The meeting is in process.

Better:

✅ The meeting is in progress.

Similarly:

❌ The construction is in process.

Better:

✅ The construction is in progress.

But if you want to describe a procedure, you could say:

✅ We are in the process of completing the construction.

The correct expression depends on what you are trying to communicate.

Common Mistake: “In Progress of”

Another frequent error is using “in progress of.”

For example:

❌ We are in progress of completing the work.

This is incorrect.

Use:

✅ We are in the process of completing the work.

Or:

✅ The work is in progress.

Remember:

in progress does not normally take “of + verb-ing.”

But:

in the process of + verb-ing is a standard structure.

Common Mistake: “On Progress”

English learners sometimes say:

❌ The project is on progress.

This is incorrect.

Use:

✅ The project is in progress.

The correct preposition is “in,” not “on.”

Remember This Rule

In progress = correct

On progress = incorrect

For example:

The work is in progress.

Not:

The work is on progress.

Common Mistake: “Work Is In Process”

The phrase “work is in process” may be understood, but it often sounds unnatural.

The better expression is:

The work is in progress.

For example:

❌ The repair work is in process.

✅ The repair work is in progress.

This is especially important in professional English, where natural phrasing matters.

Common Mistake: “Process Is in Progress”

This sentence can sometimes be grammatically possible, but it may sound awkward depending on the context.

For example:

The process is in progress.

It is understandable, but often a more specific sentence would be better.

You might say:

The process is underway.

or:

The application is being processed.

Good English is not only about grammatical correctness. It is also about choosing the expression that native speakers commonly use.

In Progress Examples in Everyday English

Here are several practical examples of “in progress.”

Example 1

The cleaning is in progress.

Meaning: Someone is currently cleaning.

Example 2

The examination is in progress.

Meaning: The examination has started and has not finished.

Example 3

The project is still in progress.

Meaning: The project is ongoing.

Example 4

Construction is currently in progress.

Meaning: Construction work is happening now.

Example 5

The investigation remains in progress.

Meaning: The investigation has not been completed.

Example 6

The download is in progress.

Meaning: The download has started but has not finished.

Example 7

The software update is in progress.

Meaning: The software is currently being updated.

Example 8

The discussion is still in progress.

Meaning: People are still discussing the topic.

Examples of “In the Process Of”

Now let’s look at examples using “in the process of.”

I am in the process of writing an article.

She is in the process of applying for a new job.

We are in the process of building a new website.

They are in the process of moving house.

The company is in the process of expanding its business.

He is in the process of learning Spanish.

The team is in the process of preparing the presentation.

These examples all describe someone or something going through a series of actions.

In Progress vs Ongoing

Another useful comparison is “in progress” versus “ongoing.”

Both can describe something that has started and has not ended.

For example:

The project is in progress.

and:

The project is ongoing.

Both are correct.

However, “in progress” is especially common when describing an activity that is actively being completed.

“Ongoing” can emphasize continuation over time.

For example:

The investigation is ongoing.

This suggests that the investigation continues and may take some time.

In Progress vs Underway

“Underway” is another synonym for “in progress.”

For example:

The meeting is underway.

means:

The meeting is in progress.

Both are natural.

However, “underway” can sometimes sound slightly more formal.

Examples

The project is underway.

Construction is underway.

The investigation is underway.

Negotiations are underway.

These sentences all indicate that something has started and is currently happening.

In Progress vs Being Processed

These two expressions are especially important for online services and customer communication.

In Progress

This means the activity is ongoing.

Your application is in progress.

Being Processed

This specifically suggests that someone or a system is handling the item.

Your application is being processed.

For orders:

Your order is being processed.

For payments:

Your payment is being processed.

For applications:

Your application is being processed.

Therefore, “being processed” is often more precise when something is going through an administrative system.

How to Choose the Correct Expression

When deciding between in process vs in progress, ask yourself a simple question:

Am I describing something that is currently happening, or am I talking about a procedure?

If you are describing an activity that is happening:

Use “in progress.”

If you are describing going through a series of steps:

Use “in the process of.”

If something is being handled by a system or organization:

Consider “being processed.”

Quick Decision Guide

Project happening now?

→ The project is in progress.

Someone is going through steps?

→ They are in the process of doing something.

An application is being handled?

→ The application is being processed.

This simple approach will help you choose the most natural expression.

In Process vs In Progress in Professional English

Professional communication requires clarity.

Consider an email to a customer:

Less natural:

Your request is in process.

More natural:

Your request is being processed.

Or:

Your request is currently in progress.

Another example:

Less natural:

The development is in process.

Better:

The development is in progress.

Or:

The team is in the process of developing the product.

Choosing the right expression makes professional communication sound more polished.

In Process vs In Progress in Texting

In casual texting, people usually prefer short and simple expressions.

For example:

Project is in progress.

I’m still working on it.

It’s in progress.

We’re working on it.

In informal conversations, “in progress” is much more likely to be understood naturally than “in process.”

For example:

Friend: Are you finished with the assignment?

You: Not yet. It’s still in progress.

That sounds natural and clear.

In Progress in Technology and Websites

The phrase “in progress” is very common in technology.

You may see messages such as:

• Download in progress
• Upload in progress
• Installation in progress
• Update in progress
• Backup in progress
• Synchronization in progress
• Setup in progress

These messages tell users that a task has started but has not yet finished.

For example:

Update in progress. Please wait.

This is a natural user-interface message.

Why “In Progress” Is More Common

The expression “in progress” has a long-established role in standard English. It efficiently communicates the idea that an activity is ongoing.

It is also short, flexible, and easy to understand.

You can use it with many nouns:

• work
• project
• construction
• meeting
• discussion
• investigation
• research
• development
• examination
• repair
• update
• installation

For example:

Research is in progress.

Repairs are in progress.

Development is in progress.

The investigation is in progress.

This flexibility makes “in progress” one of the most useful expressions for describing ongoing activities.

Spelling and Grammar Tips

Although “process” and “progress” look similar, they have different meanings.

Process

A process is a series of actions or steps used to achieve something.

Example:

The hiring process can take several weeks.

Progress

Progress refers to movement toward completion, improvement, or a goal.

Example:

We are making good progress on the project.

This distinction can help you remember the difference.

Easy Memory Trick

Think of:

Process = steps

Progress = movement forward

So:

in the process = going through steps

in progress = moving forward or happening

This is not a complete grammar rule for every situation, but it is a helpful way to remember the basic difference.

“Process” and “Progress” Are Not Synonyms

Another common mistake is treating process and progress as interchangeable words.

They are related, but their meanings are different.

A process is the method or sequence of actions.

For example:

The hiring process has five stages.

Progress describes how far something has moved toward completion or improvement.

For example:

The project is making good progress.

So, although both words can appear in discussions about work and activities, they perform different roles.

More Examples to Understand the Difference

Let’s compare several sentences.

Example A

The project is in progress.

Meaning: The project is currently happening.

Example B

We are in the process of completing the project.

Meaning: We are going through the steps needed to complete it.

Example C

The application is being processed.

Meaning: Someone or a system is handling the application.

Example D

We have made significant progress.

Meaning: We have moved forward considerably.

These four expressions are related but not identical.

Common Incorrect and Correct Sentences

Incorrect or Less Natural	Better Alternative
The work is on progress.	The work is in progress.
We are in progress of doing it.	We are in the process of doing it.
The meeting is in process.	The meeting is in progress.
Your order is in process.	Your order is being processed.
The project is in process.	The project is in progress.
We are in process of moving.	We are in the process of moving.

These corrections can help you avoid common mistakes in everyday and professional English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “in process” or “in progress” correct?

Both expressions can appear in English, but “in progress” is much more common and natural when describing something that is currently happening. For procedures, “in the process of” is often the better choice.

Is “in process” grammatically correct?

It can be correct in certain contexts, but it is often less natural than alternatives such as “in progress,” “in the process,” or “being processed.” The best choice depends on the sentence.

Which is correct: “work in process” or “work in progress”?

“Work in progress” is the standard expression when you mean that work has started but is not finished.

For example:

This website is a work in progress.

Can I say “the project is in process”?

You may encounter this expression, but “the project is in progress” is generally more natural and standard.

What is the difference between “in process” and “in progress”?

“In progress” usually means something is currently happening or being completed. “In process” can refer to something being handled as part of a process, but “in the process of” is usually more natural for describing a series of actions.

Should I say “in process” or “being processed”?

When something is being handled by a person, company, or system, “being processed” is often the clearest choice.

For example:

Your payment is being processed.

Is “in progress of” correct?

No. “In progress of” is not the standard construction.

Instead, say:

The project is in progress.

Or:

We are in the process of completing the project.

Can “in progress” describe a person?

Usually, “in progress” describes an activity, event, task, or project, rather than a person.

Instead of:

He is in progress.

Say:

He is making progress.

or:

He is in the process of learning.

What does “in the process of” mean?

It means that someone or something is currently going through a series of steps or actions.

For example:

I am in the process of writing a book.

This means the book-writing activity has started but is not finished.

Is “in progress” formal or informal?

“In progress” works in both formal and informal English. It is common in business, education, technology, everyday conversation, and professional writing.

What is another word for “in progress”?

Depending on the context, alternatives include:

• Ongoing
• Underway
• Happening
• Continuing
• Being carried out
• Being worked on

For example:

The investigation is ongoing.

The construction is underway.

Final Tips for Remembering “In Process vs In Progress”

If you frequently confuse these expressions, remember these simple rules:

• Use “in progress” for something that is currently happening.
• Use “in the process of” when describing a series of actions.
• Use “being processed” when something is being handled by a person or system.
• Avoid “on progress.”
• Avoid “in progress of.”
• “Work in progress” is the standard phrase.
• When unsure, “in progress” is often the safer choice for an ongoing activity.

The most important thing is not simply memorizing one phrase. Instead, understand what you want to communicate.

If an activity is happening now, say:

It is in progress.

If someone is going through steps, say:

They are in the process of doing it.

If a system or organization is handling something, say:

It is being processed.

Once you understand this difference, choosing the correct expression becomes much easier.

Conclusion

Understanding in process vs in progress is useful for anyone who wants to write clearer and more natural English. Although the two expressions look similar, they are used differently. “In progress” is the most common choice for describing an activity, project, meeting, construction job, investigation, update, or other task that has started and is still happening.

“In process” is less common by itself, and in many situations, expressions such as “in the process of” or “being processed” sound more natural. Remember that process is generally connected with a series of steps, while progress refers to movement toward completion or improvement.