ongoing
Describes a process, situation, or activity that is currently in progress and has not yet reached a conclusion. It implies that something started in the past and is continuing into the present and likely the future.
Examples
3 of 5The ongoing repairs to the bridge are causing major traffic delays.
The current, unfinished work on the bridge is making traffic very slow.
The government is committed to providing ongoing support for small businesses.
The government promises to continue giving help to small companies over a long period.
It's an ongoing joke between us that he's always late.
We have a joke that we keep telling because he is never on time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word as 'on' + 'going'. If something is 'on' and 'going', it hasn't stopped yet!
Quick Quiz
The police refused to comment because there is an ________ investigation into the case.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ongoing
Examples
The ongoing repairs to the bridge are causing major traffic delays.
everydayThe current, unfinished work on the bridge is making traffic very slow.
The government is committed to providing ongoing support for small businesses.
formalThe government promises to continue giving help to small companies over a long period.
It's an ongoing joke between us that he's always late.
informalWe have a joke that we keep telling because he is never on time.
Ongoing research into solar energy is essential for environmental sustainability.
academicContinuous scientific study of solar power is necessary for the environment.
Our ongoing partnership with the supplier ensures a steady stream of materials.
businessOur continuing professional relationship with the provider guarantees we get materials regularly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on an ongoing basis
regularly and continuously
ongoing concern
a business that is operating and making a profit
ongoing dialogue
an open and continuous conversation between parties
Often Confused With
Something 'underway' has recently started and is moving; 'ongoing' emphasizes that it has been continuing for some time.
Usage Notes
Ongoing is almost always used as an adjective before a noun. It is rarely used as a predicative adjective after 'to be' without being followed by a specific noun, though it is grammatically possible.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes try to use 'ongoing' as a verb (e.g., 'the work is ongoinging'), which is incorrect. Use it only as an adjective.
Memory Tip
Think of the word as 'on' + 'going'. If something is 'on' and 'going', it hasn't stopped yet!
Word Origin
Originates from the mid-20th century as a combination of the preposition 'on' and the present participle of 'go'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The police refused to comment because there is an ________ investigation into the case.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ongoing
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
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