Work is underway on
Formal business communication expression
Literalmente: Labor is in progress on
Use this to professionally signal that a task is active and moving forward.
En 15 segundos
- Used to say a project has officially started.
- Common in business emails and status updates.
- Sounds more professional than 'we are working on it'.
Significado
This phrase means that a project or task has already started and people are currently working on it. It is a polite way to say 'we are doing it right now' without sounding too casual.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Updating a client on a project
Work is underway on the final draft of your contract.
We are currently writing the final version of your contract.
A city official announcing a new park
Work is underway on the new community garden in the city center.
The city has started building the new garden.
Texting a friend about dinner (humorous)
Don't worry, work is underway on the tacos as we speak!
I am making the tacos right now.
Contexto cultural
The term 'underway' has nautical origins from the 1700s, referring to a ship that is not at anchor but moving. In modern English culture, using this phrase in business suggests a high level of professionalism and reliability. It is a staple of 'Corporate Speak' in the UK, US, and Australia.
Preposition Power
Always follow this phrase with the preposition `on`. Saying 'Work is underway for' is common but 'on' is the most natural business standard.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single email, you might sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'We've started' or 'We're making progress on' to keep it fresh.
En 15 segundos
- Used to say a project has officially started.
- Common in business emails and status updates.
- Sounds more professional than 'we are working on it'.
What It Means
Work is underway on is a fancy way to say something is happening. It means the wheels are turning. The planning is over. People are actually doing the job right now. It sounds professional and active. It gives the listener confidence that you haven't forgotten them.
How To Use It
You use this phrase followed by a specific project or task. For example, Work is underway on the new website. You can use it at the start of a sentence to sound authoritative. It is like a status update in a movie. It sounds much better than saying 'I'm doing it.'
When To Use It
Use this in business emails or meetings. It is perfect for talking to a boss or a client. Use it when you want to sound organized. It is great for public announcements too. If a road is being fixed, the sign might say this. It makes even a small task sound like a big, important mission.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, personal chores. If you are washing your socks, don't tell your roommate work is underway on my laundry. They will think you are being weirdly formal. Avoid it in very emotional moments. If your friend is crying, don't say work is underway on a tissue. That is way too robotic!
Cultural Background
English speakers love to sound busy and productive. This phrase comes from the world of construction and shipping. Underway originally meant a ship was moving through the water. Today, we use it for digital projects and office tasks. It reflects a culture that values 'progress' and 'momentum.'
Common Variations
You might hear Plans are underway or Preparations are underway. These mean the actual work hasn't started, but the thinking has. You can also say Construction is underway. These all share the same 'moving forward' energy. It is a very safe, 'corporate-chic' way to communicate.
Notas de uso
This is a high-level professional expression. Use it in emails, reports, and presentations to sound polished. Avoid using it in casual conversations with close friends unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Preposition Power
Always follow this phrase with the preposition `on`. Saying 'Work is underway for' is common but 'on' is the most natural business standard.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single email, you might sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'We've started' or 'We're making progress on' to keep it fresh.
The 'Vague' Secret
In English business culture, this phrase is sometimes used to hide the fact that you *just* started five minutes ago. It sounds like you've been busy for hours!
Ejemplos
6Work is underway on the final draft of your contract.
We are currently writing the final version of your contract.
This sounds much more reassuring than 'I'm writing it now.'
Work is underway on the new community garden in the city center.
The city has started building the new garden.
Used here to show public progress.
Don't worry, work is underway on the tacos as we speak!
I am making the tacos right now.
Using formal language for a casual task creates a funny, mock-serious tone.
Work is underway on the bug fixes for the mobile app.
The developers are fixing the app errors now.
Standard way to report status to colleagues.
I know it's late, but work is underway on your birthday surprise.
I am currently preparing your surprise.
Adds a sense of importance to the effort.
Work is underway on our new sustainability initiative.
We have started our new green project.
Communicates a broad corporate goal.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the formal status update.
Work is ___ on the annual report.
The standard expression is 'underway,' which means in progress.
Complete the sentence to sound professional.
Work is underway ___ the new office design.
We use the preposition 'on' after 'work is underway' to specify the project.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Level of 'Work is underway on'
I'm doing it.
I'm on it!
We are working on it.
We're working on the report.
Official status update.
Work is underway on the report.
When to use 'Work is underway on'
Emailing a boss
...the quarterly budget.
Public Signage
...the bridge repairs.
Client Meeting
...your marketing strategy.
Mock-Serious Joke
...making the coffee.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means 'in progress' or 'currently happening.' It comes from a ship being 'on its way' across the sea.
In modern English, underway is almost always written as one word. You might see under way as two words in older books, but stick to one for business.
You can, but it sounds funny. If you tell your mom work is underway on my bed-making, she will think you are joking or being sarcastic.
No, it is used for everything! You can use it for digital code, writing, planning, or even scientific research.
Work is underway on is passive and formal. It focuses on the project itself rather than the person doing the work.
Yes, you can say Work was underway when the power went out. This describes a past action that was already happening.
Only if you want to sound very professional or if you are being funny. For a normal text to a friend, just say 'I'm doing it now.'
Not necessarily. It just means it has started. It could be 1% done or 99% done.
Forgetting the word on. People sometimes say Work is underway the project, which is grammatically incorrect. Always include on!
It is used equally in both! It is a standard piece of Global Business English.
Frases relacionadas
In the pipeline
Something that is planned or being developed for the future.
In progress
A general term for something that has started but is not finished.
Getting off the ground
Just starting to become successful or active.
Behind the scenes
Work that is happening privately or out of public view.
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