In Process or In Progress: Meaning, Uses, and Examples

Choosing between in process or in progress can be confusing because both expressions describe something that has started but is not finished. However, they are not always interchangeable. One commonly refers to something undergoing a procedure or series of steps, while the other emphasizes an activity that is currently underway. This distinction matters when writing professional emails, checking application statuses, describing projects, or communicating everyday updates. 

For example, a passport application may be under review, while a website redesign is underway. Understanding how these expressions work will help you choose more natural wording and avoid awkward sentences. Let’s examine their meanings, differences, grammar rules, and practical examples so you can use each phrase correctly.

Quick Answer

Both in process and in progress can describe something that has started but has not yet finished.

The main difference is their emphasis:

• In process: Describes something undergoing a procedure, treatment, review, or series of steps. For example, an application may be in process.
• In progress: Describes an activity, task, event, or project that is currently underway. For example, a construction project is in progress.

The expressions overlap in some situations, but their natural usage depends on the context.

For everyday communication, in progress is generally the more natural choice when describing ongoing work or activities.

When discussing official applications or administrative procedures, phrases such as being processed, under review, and in process may be appropriate.

Meaning and Definition of Each Word

Understanding each expression separately makes it easier to recognize when to use it.

In Process

Definition: In process describes something that is undergoing a particular procedure, operation, or series of steps but has not yet reached completion.

Simple Explanation: Think of a task that requires several stages before it can be finished.

The expression often appears in administrative, technical, manufacturing, and professional contexts.

For example, an organization might use it to describe an application being handled or a document going through an approval procedure.

Example Sentences:

• My passport application is in process at the government office.
• The manufacturing procedure is still in process.
• The employee’s background verification is in process.
• Your insurance claim is currently being processed.
• The paperwork is still in process, so the final decision is pending.

One important distinction is that in process does not automatically mean something has been approved or will be completed by a particular date.

It simply indicates that the relevant procedure is underway.

In Progress

Definition: In progress describes an activity, task, project, or event that has started and is continuing but is not yet complete.

Simple Explanation: Imagine someone working on a project right now. The work has begun, but there are still things left to do.

This expression is widely used in everyday English, workplaces, education, construction, and creative activities.

Example Sentences:

• The construction of the new bridge is in progress.
• Our team meeting is in progress, so please wait outside.
• The website redesign is in progress.
• Her research project is still in progress.
• The repairs to the office building are currently in progress.

Unlike a formal procedure, an activity described as in progress does not necessarily follow a fixed sequence of administrative steps.

The expression simply communicates that something is underway.

Key Differences Between the Words

Although these expressions share a similar meaning, their emphasis and common contexts can differ.

Here are the main differences:

– Meaning:

• In process → Something is undergoing a procedure or series of steps.
• In progress → Something is currently happening or continuing.

– Focus:

• In process → Emphasizes the procedure or handling of something.
• In progress → Emphasizes the ongoing activity or work.

– Common Contexts:

• In process → Administrative procedures, manufacturing, applications, and technical operations.
• In progress → Projects, meetings, construction, assignments, and creative activities.

– Formality:

• In process → Often appears in procedural or professional communication.
• In progress → Common in both formal and informal communication.

– Completion:

• In process → Indicates that a procedure has not yet finished.
• In progress → Indicates that an activity is still underway.

Neither expression is automatically correct or incorrect based only on formality.

The surrounding sentence and intended meaning determine which one sounds most natural.

Comparison Table

The following table makes the distinction easier to understand.

Feature	In Process	In Progress
Meaning	Undergoing a procedure	Currently underway
Main focus	Steps or handling	Ongoing activity
Common context	Applications and procedures	Projects and tasks
Usage	Professional and technical	General and professional
Completion	Not yet finished	Not yet finished
Example	The application is in process.	The project is in progress.

Quick comparison:

• The application is in process because it is going through administrative steps.
• The renovation is in progress because workers are still completing the project.

Remember that context matters more than simply labeling one expression formal and the other informal.

Examples in Sentences

Examples make grammar differences easier to recognize.

Here are practical sentences showing how both expressions work in everyday and professional communication.

In Process

1. My passport renewal is in process at the government office.
2. The contract review is still in process, so we cannot finalize the agreement yet.
3. Your insurance claim is being processed by the company.
4. The new employee’s verification is currently in process.
5. The documents are going through the required approval procedure.
6. The application is still being reviewed by the admissions department.
7. The manufacturing process is in process at the facility.

In Progress

1. The new software update is in progress and will be completed soon.
2. The students’ assignments are in progress, so please avoid interrupting them.
3. Our website redesign is in progress.
4. The construction work is still in progress.
5. My research project has been in progress for several months.
6. The company’s annual meeting is currently in progress.
7. The painting is in progress, and the artist expects to finish it soon.

These examples show that the first expression emphasizes a procedure, while the second highlights continuing activity.

Common Mistakes

Many English learners use these expressions interchangeably without considering their intended meaning.

Although some sentences can accept either expression, others sound unnatural because the chosen phrase does not fit the context.

Here are common mistakes and better alternatives.

1. Describing a general activity

• Awkward: The painting is in process.
• Better: The painting is in progress.

Why? In progress is the more natural expression for an ongoing creative activity.

2. Describing an application

• Less natural: My application is in progress.
• Better: My application is being processed.
• Also possible: My application is in process.

Why? Being processed clearly communicates that the application is undergoing administrative handling.

3. Describing construction

• Awkward: The building work is in process.
• Better: The building work is in progress.

Why? In progress naturally describes construction or renovation activities.

4. Describing an approval procedure

• Less precise: My documents are in progress.
• Better: My documents are under review.

Why? Under review communicates that someone is examining the documents.

5. Using unnecessary words

• Incorrect: The project is in progress of completion.
• Better: The project is nearing completion.

Why? The original sentence combines expressions in an unnatural way.

Helpful Tip: Do not choose a phrase simply because a sentence sounds formal. Identify whether you are describing an ongoing activity, a procedure, or an official review.

Tips to Remember the Difference

Remembering the distinction becomes easier when you connect each expression with a simple idea.

1. Think About Procedures:

• In process → Something is going through steps or procedures.
• In progress → Something is happening or continuing.

2. Use a Visual Trick:

• Imagine a flowchart when you think about a process.
• Imagine someone working on a project when you think about progress.

3. Consider the Context:

• Applications and administrative procedures may use in process.
• Projects, meetings, assignments, and construction commonly use in progress.

4. Choose Natural Alternatives:

• Use being processed when an application is receiving attention.
• Use underway when describing an activity or project.

5. Read the Complete Sentence:

Sometimes both expressions are understandable, but only one sounds natural in the particular situation.

For example, a website redesign is in progress sounds more natural than a website redesign is in process.

When to Use Each Word

Choosing the correct expression depends on what you want to communicate.

When to Use In Process

Use this expression when describing something undergoing a procedure or operation.

Common situations include:

• Government applications and administrative procedures.
• Passport and visa applications.
• Loan applications and financial reviews.
• Legal documents and contract processing.
• Employee background verification.
• Manufacturing and technical operations.

Examples:

• Your visa application is in process.
• The contract approval procedure is in process.
• The documents are currently being processed.

For especially clear professional writing, being processed or under review may communicate the situation more precisely.

When to Use In Progress

Use this expression when describing an activity or task that has started but is not finished.

Common situations include:

• Business projects and workplace assignments.
• Construction and renovation.
• Schoolwork and research.
• Meetings and professional events.
• Software development.
• Creative activities and personal projects.

Examples:

• The renovation is in progress.
• Our marketing campaign is in progress.
• The students’ research assignments are in progress.

In progress is particularly useful when you want to communicate that work is continuing.

Grammar Rules

Both expressions can function as subject complements after linking verbs such as is, are, was, and were.

They are commonly used to describe the current or past status of an activity or procedure.

Rule 1: Use after a form of the verb “Be.”

Examples:

• The report is in progress.
• The application is in process.
• The repairs were in progress yesterday.
• The documents are in process.

Rule 2: Understand the difference between a phrase and a verb.

In progress is a phrase, while progress can also function as a verb.

Examples:

• Correct: The project is in progress.
• Correct: The project is progressing well.
• Incorrect: The project is progressing in process.

Rule 3: Use “In the Process Of” for an Action.

This is another common grammatical structure.

Examples:

• I am in the process of writing a new article.
• She is in the process of changing jobs.
• We are in the process of updating our website.

Notice that this construction usually takes a noun or an -ing verb after of.

Rule 4: Do Not Confuse “In Process” With “In Progress Of.”

The expression in progress of is generally not the natural way to describe an ongoing activity.

Instead, use:

• The project is in progress.
• The project is in the process of being completed.

Understanding these structures helps you write clearer sentences without mixing different grammatical patterns.

Synonyms or Related Words

Both expressions have related words and phrases that can make your writing more precise.

However, synonyms are not always interchangeable in every sentence.

Synonyms for In Process

• Under review: Being examined or evaluated.
• Pending: Waiting for a decision or action.
• Being processed: Going through a particular procedure.
• Under consideration: Being discussed or evaluated.
• Underway: A procedure or activity that has started.

Synonyms for In Progress

• Ongoing: Continuing at the present time.
• Underway: Already started and continuing.
• Continuing: Not yet stopped or completed.
• Taking place: Happening at a particular time.
• Being done: Currently receiving attention or work.

Example:

Instead of writing, “The application is in process,” you could write, “The application is being processed.”

Instead of writing, “The project is in progress,” you could write, “The project is underway.”

These alternatives help avoid repetition while keeping your intended meaning clear.

Also Read:

Dialog or Dialogue: Meaning, Differences, and Correct Usage

Breathe or Breath: Common Mistakes and Usage Tips 2026

Catchup or Catch Up Meaning and Proper Usage Explained 2026

How to Write Clear Status Updates in Professional Communication

Choosing the right expression is especially important when writing workplace emails, customer notifications, and project reports.

Readers generally want to know what has started, what is happening, and whether anything remains unfinished.

Here are some useful writing practices:

1. Be Specific About the Activity

Instead of saying, “Your request is in progress,” explain what is happening.

For example:

“Your request is being reviewed by our support team.”

2. Avoid Promising Unconfirmed Deadlines

Do not write that something will be completed tomorrow unless you have a reliable completion estimate.

A more careful update would be:

“Your application is being processed. We will provide an update when the review is complete.”

3. Choose Familiar Expressions

In professional communication, simple language is usually easier to understand.

Use in progress for ongoing projects and being processed for administrative requests when those descriptions accurately reflect the situation.

4. Keep Status Messages Consistent

If your organization uses status labels such as Pending, In Progress, Under Review, and Completed, use them consistently.

This makes reports and customer notifications easier to understand.

In Process vs. In Progress in American English

Both expressions are used in American English, but their naturalness depends on the sentence.

In progress is widely recognized in everyday American communication.

You might see it on workplace project boards, construction notices, school assignments, and event announcements.

For example:

“The road repairs are currently in progress.”

In process is also understandable, particularly in procedural, technical, and administrative contexts.

However, American English speakers often prefer more specific alternatives such as:

• The application is being processed.
• The documents are under review.
• The approval is pending.
• The procedure is underway.

These alternatives can sound more natural because they explain exactly what is happening.

The important point is not to memorize a strict formal-versus-informal rule.

Instead, choose the expression that communicates the intended activity or procedure most clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I use “in process” and “in progress” interchangeably?

Not always.

Both expressions can describe something unfinished, but they emphasize different things.

In process generally relates to a procedure or operation, while in progress commonly describes an ongoing activity.

Choose the expression that best matches your intended meaning.

2. Is “in progress” correct for official documents?

Yes.

In progress is grammatically correct in official documents when describing an ongoing activity, project, or task.

For example, “The construction project is in progress” is perfectly acceptable.

For an application being examined, being processed or under review may be more precise.

3. Which phrase is more formal?

Both expressions can appear in professional writing.

In process is commonly associated with procedures and operations, whereas in progress is widely used for ongoing activities.

Neither expression is exclusively formal or informal.

4. Can I say “My project is in process”?

You can, but “My project is in progress” is generally more natural when referring to ongoing project work.

If you mean that your project is undergoing a particular procedure, in process may be appropriate.

5. What is the origin of these phrases?

Both expressions developed from established English words.

Process has roots in the idea of moving forward through a sequence of stages, while progress refers to movement forward or advancement.

Their modern meanings reflect these related ideas, although their grammatical usage depends on context.

6. How do I remember which one to use?

Use a simple distinction:

• Procedure or administrative handling → In process.
• Ongoing activity or unfinished work → In progress.

If neither sounds natural, consider alternatives such as being processed, under review, or underway.

Conclusion

Understanding in process or in progress becomes easier when you focus on what each expression describes. In process generally refers to something undergoing a procedure, operation, or series of steps. In progress describes an activity, task, or project that has started and is continuing. Both expressions are grammatically acceptable, but their natural usage depends on context. 

For everyday projects, meetings, construction, and assignments, in progress is usually the better choice. For applications and administrative procedures, in process or being processed may communicate the meaning more clearly. Remembering this distinction will help you write better emails, reports, and everyday messages while avoiding awkward expressions and communicating your intended meaning accurately.