In Progress or In Process? 🤔 Learn the Key Differences with Real Examples

It’s easy to mix up phrases like “in process” and “in progress.” At first glance, they appear interchangeable. But are they really?

While they both refer to something ongoing, these phrases carry subtle distinctions that can impact clarity—especially in business, project management, and professional writing.

So how do you know which to use, and when? This guide breaks it down for you with real-world examples, grammar tips, and clear distinctions to help you sound more confident and precise in your communication.

Wondering whether to say “in process” or “in progress”? While both imply something ongoing, each serves a different purpose—especially in business and professional writing. Find out when to use each correctly.

The Similarity in Meaning: Breaking Down ‘In Process’ and ‘In Progress’

Both phrases describe something that’s happening—but not yet complete. That’s where the confusion begins. Let’s unpack the basic definitions:

Phrase	General Meaning	Example
In Progress	Something is actively ongoing	“The report is in progress.”
In Process	Something is undergoing a specific set of procedures	“Your payment is in process.”

“In progress” generally refers to broader actions or projects being carried out. It implies activity, movement, or development.

“In process” is more procedural. It’s often used when something is being handled in a system, especially involving steps or protocols.

Historical Usage: Tracing the Roots of ‘In Process’ and ‘In Progress’

Both phrases have been around for centuries, but their applications have shifted.

“Progress” comes from the Latin progressus, meaning “an advance or forward movement.” In English, it became synonymous with development and improvement as early as the 15th century.
“Process” stems from the Latin processus, meaning “a going forward,” but it evolved to refer to a series of steps or actions taken to achieve a result.

Over time, “in progress” became the go-to term for projects or efforts unfolding over time, while “in process” stuck with procedural or transactional uses.

The Common Choice: Why ‘In Progress’ Prevails in Modern Usage

If you’re unsure which to use, go with “in progress.” Here’s why:

It’s more commonly used in modern English.
It works well in general conversations, writing, and project management.
It sounds more natural to native speakers across a wider range of contexts.

Examples:

✅ “The renovation is in progress.”
✅ “A global shift is in progress toward sustainable energy.”

The phrase “in process” can feel technical or awkward when used outside of its intended context.

Context Matters: When to Prefer ‘In Progress’ Over ‘In Process’

The key difference is context.

Use “in progress” when referring to:

Tasks actively being worked on
Ongoing creative or construction projects
General action still underway

Use “in process” when referring to:

Formal procedures
Internal systems or operations
Financial transactions

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Situation	Correct Phrase	Sample Sentence
Building a website	In progress	“The new website is currently in progress.”
Processing a loan application	In process	“Your application is in process with the bank.”
Writing a novel	In progress	“Her first novel is in progress.”
Shipping an online order	In process	“Your order is in process and will ship soon.”

The Role of ‘In Progress’ in Contemporary Language

In everyday conversation, “in progress” dominates because it feels natural and intuitive. It’s often used in:

Education: “Your degree is in progress.”
Workplaces: “The marketing campaign is in progress.”
Technology: “System updates are in progress.”

This phrase captures the sense of movement toward completion, making it more dynamic and accessible in casual and formal use alike.

Quick Tip: If you can replace the phrase with “ongoing” or “underway,” then “in progress” is probably correct.

Navigating Professional Contexts: Work ‘In Process’ vs. Work ‘In Progress’

The terms take on even more nuance in business environments, especially in fields like manufacturing, accounting, and logistics.

Work In Progress (WIP):

Refers to tasks or items that are partially completed.
Common in project tracking and construction.
Seen in accounting to track unfinished goods.

Work In Process (also WIP in manufacturing):

Refers to inventory that’s being processed but not yet completed.
Used more in manufacturing and production settings.

Important distinction:

In general business, “work in progress” is more commonly used.
In manufacturing, “work in process” is technically accurate.

Industry-Specific Terminology: Understanding the Distinctions in Business

Let’s explore how different industries treat these phrases:

Industry	Preferred Term	Reason
Construction	In progress	Refers to ongoing projects or partial builds
Software	In progress	Used in agile workflows and development cycles
Finance	In process	For transactions, billing, and approvals
Manufacturing	In process	To define partially completed goods in production lines
Accounting	In progress / In process	Depends on context—both may apply to assets or billing

Tip: If you’re writing for a specific audience, always check the terminology used in their field.

Grammatical Considerations: Crafting Correct Sentences with Each Phrase

Grammatically, both phrases function as prepositional phrases and follow the subject-verb structure. But clarity depends on verb choice and subject specificity.

Examples with In Progress:

“Construction is in progress.”
“The investigation remains in progress.”
“My certification is currently in progress.”

Examples with In Process:

“The refund is in process.”
“Your paperwork is in process.”
“Approval is still in process.”

Note: Avoid redundant phrasing like “in process of being in progress.” Pick one based on meaning and context.

Tips for Remembering When to Use ‘In Process’ and ‘In Progress’

Mnemonic Tricks

Progress = Project: If it’s a project, it’s in progress.
Process = Procedure: If it’s a procedure or operation, it’s in process.

Quick Usage Quiz

Test your knowledge:

A software feature that’s halfway done:
✅ In progress
Your bank transferring funds:
✅ In process
A mural being painted on a wall:
✅ In progress
Your tax return being evaluated by the IRS:
✅ In process

Helpful Phrase Swaps

“In progress” → Try replacing with “underway” to check meaning.
“In process” → Try replacing with “being handled” or “in review.”

❓FAQs Section

1. What does “in progress” mean?

“In progress” means something is currently ongoing or being worked on. It suggests active development or advancement.

2. When should I use “in process” instead of “in progress”?

Use “in process” when referring to a procedure, transaction, or something going through specific steps within a system.

3. Is one phrase more correct than the other?

Both are grammatically correct, but they’re not interchangeable. “In progress” suits general or project-based contexts, while “in process” fits procedural or transactional situations.

4. Can I say “my application is in progress”?

It depends. If the application is actively being reviewed or worked on, “in progress” is fine. If it’s moving through a formal system or steps, “in process” may be better.

5. What’s the difference between “work in progress” and “work in process”?

“Work in progress” is more common in general project tracking. “Work in process” is used in manufacturing to describe partially completed goods.

6. Is “in process” too formal for everyday use?

Not necessarily, but it’s more common in technical or professional contexts. For casual speech or writing, “in progress” often sounds more natural.

Conclusion: Embracing the Subtleties of English Phrasing

Understanding the difference between “in process” and “in progress” can elevate the clarity of your communication. These aren’t just technical terms—they reflect how we describe movement, effort, and transformation.

When in doubt, ask yourself:

Is something being actively worked on? → Use in progress.
Is something being handled procedurally? → Use in process.

Mastering these subtle differences adds precision to your writing, especially in professional or technical settings.

Want to keep sharpening your grammar skills? Stick around for more comparisons like this—and don’t forget to bookmark this guide for future reference!

Hannah Ross