A tiny change in wording can make a sentence sound completely natural—or slightly off. One common example is in progress or in process, two phrases that look similar but aren’t always interchangeable.
If you’re wondering in process or in progress, the answer depends on what you want to say. In most everyday English, in progress is the standard phrase for something that has started but has not yet been completed. In process is also correct in certain contexts, particularly when referring to something being handled as part of an established procedure or process.
Understanding the difference can help you choose the phrase that sounds natural and communicates exactly what you mean.
In Progress vs In Process: The Quick Answer
The easiest distinction is this:
| Phrase | Typical Meaning | Example |
| In progress | Something has started and is still happening | “The project is in progress.” |
| In process | Something is being dealt with through a particular process or procedure | “The application is in process.” |
However, there’s an important nuance: in process is less common in general American English than in progress.
If you’re simply saying that something has started and isn’t finished yet, in progress is usually the better choice.
Simple rule
Something is happening → in progress
Something is being handled through a process → in process
What Does “In Progress” Mean?
In progress means that something has begun but hasn’t been completed.
It can describe activities, projects, tasks, construction, investigations, and many other ongoing situations.
For example:
- “The repairs are in progress.”
- “The construction project is still in progress.”
- “The investigation is in progress.”
- “Your order is in progress.”
- “The meeting is currently in progress.”
The phrase emphasizes ongoing activity.
Something doesn’t have to be happening every second to be considered in progress. A project can remain in progress while different stages are being completed.
What Does “In Process” Mean?
In process can mean that something is currently being handled as part of a process.
For example:
- “The application is in process.”
- “The paperwork is currently in process.”
- “The request is in process.”
However, this construction is less idiomatic in many contexts than alternatives such as in progress, being processed, or under review.
For example, instead of:
“Your application is in process.”
you might naturally say:
“Your application is being processed.”
That wording is often clearer because it directly describes what is happening.
In Process or In Progress: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is the idea each phrase emphasizes.
In progress focuses on an activity that is ongoing.
In process focuses more on something moving through a process or procedure.
Consider these examples:
In progress
“The renovation is in progress.”
The renovation has started and is continuing.
In process
“The permit application is in process.”
This suggests that the application is moving through an administrative procedure.
That said, native English speakers may prefer being processed in the second example.
When Should You Use “In Progress”?
Use in progress when you want to emphasize that an activity or task is currently underway.
Common situations include:
Projects
“The project is currently in progress.”
Construction
“Road construction is in progress.”
Events
“The ceremony is already in progress.”
Investigations
“The investigation remains in progress.”
Work
“The work is still in progress.”
Tasks
“Your request is in progress.”
In each case, the phrase communicates that something has started and has not finished.
When Is “In Process” Appropriate?
In process can be appropriate when the context specifically involves a defined procedure or system.
For example:
“The documents are in process for approval.”
However, this wording can sound formal, regional, or less natural depending on the audience.
Often, one of these alternatives is clearer:
- Being processed
- Under review
- Being handled
- In progress
- Underway
For example:
Less natural:
“The application is in process.”
More natural:
“The application is being processed.”
The best choice depends on the exact meaning you’re trying to communicate.
In Progress vs In Process in Professional Writing
This distinction becomes especially useful in emails, reports, workplace communication, and customer-service messages.
If you’re updating someone about work that is underway, in progress is usually a safe choice.
Example
“The requested changes are currently in progress.”
This sounds natural and professional.
If you’re talking about an application or request moving through an administrative system, being processed may be more precise.
Example
“Your application is currently being processed.”
This tells the reader exactly what is happening.
Is It “In Progress” or “In Process” for an Application?
This is one of the situations where people most often hesitate.
Both expressions may be encountered, but being processed is often the clearest choice.
Compare:
- “Your application is in progress.”
- “Your application is in process.”
- “Your application is being processed.”
The third option is particularly clear because it tells the reader that someone or some system is actively processing the application.
If you’re writing a formal message, consider using being processed unless there’s a specific reason to use in process.
In Progress or In Process for a Project
For a project, in progress is generally the natural choice.
For example:
“The website redesign is in progress.”
You could also say:
- “The website redesign is underway.”
- “The website redesign has begun.”
- “The website redesign is currently being completed.”
But in process would sound unusual here.
Why?
A project is an ongoing activity. The phrase in progress directly captures that idea.
In Progress or In Process for Work
When talking about work that has started but isn’t finished, use in progress.
Examples:
- “The repairs are in progress.”
- “The work is still in progress.”
- “Maintenance is currently in progress.”
You might also use underway, which is a natural alternative:
“Maintenance is currently underway.”
“In Process” vs “In the Process”
There’s another phrase worth knowing: in the process of.
This construction is much more common than simply in process.
For example:
“We are in the process of updating the website.”
This means the action is underway.
You can also say:
“She is in the process of moving to a new apartment.”
Here, in the process of is completely natural.
The phrase doesn’t mean exactly the same thing grammatically as in process.
“In the Process of” vs “In Progress”
These phrases can often describe similar situations, but they are structured differently.
In progress
“The renovation is in progress.”
In the process of
“We are in the process of renovating the building.”
The first uses in progress as a description of the activity.
The second uses in the process of + -ing to describe what someone is doing.
Both are useful, but they aren’t interchangeable in every sentence.
Common Mistakes With In Progress and In Process
Mistake 1: Using “in process” for every ongoing activity
Not every ongoing activity is naturally described as in process.
Better:
“The project is in progress.”
Mistake 2: Using “in progress” when “being processed” is clearer
For administrative requests, applications, and documents, being processed may communicate the situation more precisely.
Clearer:
“Your application is being processed.”
Mistake 3: Confusing “in process” with “in the process of”
These are different constructions.
Correct:
“We are in the process of making changes.”
Mistake 4: Assuming one phrase is always correct
Context matters. English contains many expressions that overlap in meaning but differ in naturalness and usage.
Easy Ways to Remember the Difference
If you’re stuck between in progress or in process, ask yourself one question:
Is something simply happening right now?
Use in progress.
“The repairs are in progress.”
Is something moving through a specific procedure?
Consider being processed or, where appropriate, in process.
“The application is being processed.”
Are you describing an action someone is currently carrying out?
Use in the process of.
“We are in the process of reviewing the documents.”
This simple distinction covers most everyday situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it “in progress” or “in process”?
Both phrases exist, but in progress is the more common expression for something that has started and is not finished. In process is more limited and may refer to something being handled through a particular process.
Is “in process” grammatically correct?
Yes, in process can be grammatically correct, although it is less common in many varieties of modern English. Depending on the context, being processed or in progress may sound more natural.
Is “in progress” correct?
Yes. In progress is a standard phrase used to describe something that is currently underway but not yet completed.
Should I say “application in progress” or “application in process”?
Both can be encountered, but application being processed is often the clearest wording when referring to an application moving through an administrative system.
Is “in the process of” correct?
Yes. In the process of is a common construction used before a noun or gerund phrase.
For example:
“We are in the process of reviewing your request.”
What is the difference between in progress and in process?
In progress generally means something is underway. In process can indicate that something is moving through a process or procedure, although being processed is often more natural.
Is “work in progress” correct?
Yes. Work in progress is a very common expression for work that has begun but isn’t finished.
Which is better for professional writing: in progress or in process?
In most professional writing, in progress is the better choice when describing ongoing work. For applications, documents, and requests, being processed may be more precise than in process.
Conclusion
When deciding between in progress or in process, the safest general rule is simple: use in progress when something has started and is still underway. Use in process only when the context specifically calls for it, and consider being processed when you’re talking about applications, requests, documents, or administrative procedures.
So, when comparing in progress vs in process, context matters—but in progress is the clear everyday choice for most ongoing activities. Once you understand that distinction, choosing between these similar phrases becomes much easier.
