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B2 adjective #3,000 most common 13 min read

ongoing

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ongoing in 30 Seconds

Explanation ongoing in your Level:

The word 'ongoing' is usually too difficult for A1 students. However, you can think of it as a way to say 'still happening' or 'not finished.' At this level, you would mostly use 'now' or 'is doing.' For example, instead of 'ongoing work,' an A1 student might say 'I am working now.' It is a word you will see in news or business, but you don't need to use it yet. Just remember it means something that started before and is still going on. Imagine you are eating an apple. While you are eating, the 'eating' is ongoing. It is a big word for a simple idea: things that are in the middle and haven't stopped yet. You might see it on a sign at a construction site. It tells you that the workers are still there and the road is not ready. Learning this word early helps you understand formal English later on.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'ongoing' as a formal way to describe things that take a long time. It is like the 'present continuous' tense (I am working) but used as a single word to describe a noun. For instance, 'ongoing homework' means homework you are still doing. You will mostly hear this in school or on the news. It is a useful word because it combines 'still' and 'happening' into one adjective. If your teacher asks about your project, you can say, 'It is ongoing.' This sounds a little more professional than 'I am still doing it.' It is often used with words like 'work,' 'project,' or 'problem.' If you have a problem that doesn't go away, it is an 'ongoing problem.' It helps you talk about things that aren't just one-time events, but things that continue over days or weeks.

By B1, you should be comfortable seeing 'ongoing' in texts and using it in your writing to sound more natural. It is a key word for describing processes. Instead of saying 'the investigation that is continuing,' you can say 'the ongoing investigation.' This level is where you start to distinguish between 'current' (at this moment) and 'ongoing' (a process that is moving). You will see it in business emails, like 'ongoing support' or 'ongoing maintenance.' It is a very polite word because it shows that work is being done even if it isn't finished. It also helps you describe long-term situations in your life, such as 'ongoing training' for a job or 'ongoing health issues.' It is an important building block for moving from basic descriptions to more nuanced, professional English.

At the B2 level, 'ongoing' is a standard part of your vocabulary. You should use it to provide clear, professional updates on tasks and situations. You understand that 'ongoing' implies a bridge between the past and the future. You can use it to describe complex social issues, like 'ongoing debates' or 'ongoing conflicts.' You also know the common collocations, such as 'ongoing efforts' and 'ongoing process.' At this level, you can use 'ongoing' to create better sentence flow and avoid repetitive phrases like 'which is still happening.' You are also aware of its formal tone and when to choose it over more casual alternatives like 'in progress.' It is a word that adds a layer of sophistication to your speaking and writing, especially in academic or corporate environments where status updates are frequent.

For C1 learners, 'ongoing' is used with precision to describe systemic or structural processes. You use it to discuss 'ongoing shifts' in the economy or 'ongoing evolution' in biological systems. You understand the subtle difference between 'ongoing' and 'continuous' or 'continual' and choose the most accurate term based on the context. You might use 'ongoing' to describe a persistent state of affairs that shapes a narrative or a theory. In your writing, 'ongoing' helps to establish a background of activity against which other events occur. You also recognize when 'ongoing' is being used euphemistically in corporate or political speech to downplay a lack of resolution. Your mastery allows you to use it in complex grammatical structures, such as 'Despite the ongoing nature of the crisis, the government has yet to...' which shows a high level of control over the language's formal registers.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'ongoing' and its varied applications. You can use it to describe abstract philosophical concepts or highly technical scientific processes. You might use it in literary analysis to describe 'ongoing motifs' or in high-level business strategy to discuss 'ongoing competitive advantages.' You are sensitive to the word's rhythm and how it contributes to the cadence of a sentence. You can also detect when the word is being used to imply a sense of permanence or inevitability. At this stage, 'ongoing' is just one of many tools in your expansive vocabulary, and you use it effortlessly to convey the exact degree of continuity and development required for your message. You can also play with the word in creative writing to evoke a sense of timelessness or persistent atmosphere, showing complete mastery of its emotional and logical weight.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ongoing in 30 Seconds

Ongoing describes something that is currently happening and hasn't finished. It links the past, present, and future in a single process.
It is a formal adjective commonly used in business, news, and academic writing to provide status updates on projects and investigations.
Unlike 'continuous,' it doesn't mean there are no breaks; it just means the overall process is still active and not yet completed.
It usually comes before a noun, such as 'ongoing effort' or 'ongoing debate,' making your English sound more sophisticated and precise.

The word ongoing is a versatile adjective used to describe a situation, process, or activity that is currently in progress. Unlike words that simply mean 'now,' ongoing implies a temporal bridge: it suggests that the activity started at some point in the past, is actively occurring at this very moment, and is expected to continue into the future until a specific resolution is reached. It is frequently employed in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts to provide updates on status without implying an immediate end date.

Core Concept: The essence of 'ongoing' is continuity. It is the linguistic equivalent of a 'work in progress' sign. When you describe a project as ongoing, you are informing your audience that the gears are still turning and the final result has not yet been achieved.

The police have confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation into the recent security breach at the national bank.

In a business setting, you will hear this word constantly. Managers use it to describe long-term initiatives like 'ongoing training' or 'ongoing maintenance.' It suggests a level of commitment and stability. If a company offers 'ongoing support,' they aren't just helping you once; they are promising a lasting relationship where assistance is always available. This differs from 'continuous,' which suggests something happening without any interruption at all; 'ongoing' allows for the natural ebbs and flows of a process while maintaining the overall status of being unfinished.

Semantic Nuance: Interestingly, 'ongoing' often carries a weight of seriousness. We rarely use it for trivial things like 'my ongoing sandwich eating.' Instead, we use it for 'ongoing negotiations,' 'ongoing conflicts,' or 'ongoing research.' It elevates the subject matter to something worthy of sustained attention.

Climate change is an ongoing challenge that requires global cooperation and immediate action from all nations.

From a grammatical standpoint, 'ongoing' is almost always used as an attributive adjective, meaning it comes before the noun it describes. While you can say 'the effort is ongoing,' it is much more common to hear about 'an ongoing effort.' This positioning helps to define the noun as a persistent entity. In the modern era of the 24-hour news cycle, 'ongoing' has become a staple for journalists who need to report on developing stories where the facts are still emerging. It acts as a safety net, indicating that the information provided is current but subject to change as the situation evolves.

Workplace Utility: When writing reports, 'ongoing' is your best friend for describing tasks that are in the 'In Progress' column. It provides a formal tone that suggests the task is being managed effectively, even if it isn't finished yet.

We provide ongoing feedback to our employees to ensure that professional growth is a constant part of our company culture.

The ongoing debate regarding remote work versus office presence continues to shape corporate policies worldwide.

Despite the ongoing technical issues, the team managed to launch the beta version of the software on schedule.

Using ongoing correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective that modifies nouns related to time, processes, or states of being. It is most effective when placed immediately before the noun it modifies. For example, 'ongoing maintenance' sounds more natural than 'maintenance that is ongoing' in most professional contexts. Because it implies a state of being in flux, it pairs exceptionally well with nouns that represent evolution or struggle.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Ongoing] + [Noun]. Example: 'The team + is providing + ongoing + support.' This structure is the most common and clear way to communicate the concept.

The ongoing construction on the main highway has caused significant delays for daily commuters over the last six months.

One key aspect of using 'ongoing' is its ability to replace entire phrases. Instead of saying 'the work that we are still doing,' you can simply say 'the ongoing work.' This makes your writing more concise and impactful. In formal writing, particularly in legal or medical documents, 'ongoing' is used to describe chronic conditions or long-term legal proceedings. For example, 'ongoing symptoms' refers to health issues that persist over time, while 'ongoing litigation' refers to a court case that has not yet reached a final verdict.

Contrast with 'Continuous': 'Continuous' implies no breaks (like a continuous line). 'Ongoing' implies a process that is active overall, even if there are pauses (like an ongoing project that people work on during business hours).

The researchers are conducting an ongoing study to determine the long-term effects of microplastics on marine life in the Pacific Ocean.

When you use 'ongoing' in a sentence, you are also setting an expectation. You are telling the listener that they should expect more updates in the future. If you say, 'The project is ongoing,' the listener will naturally ask, 'When do you think it will be finished?' or 'What is the current status?' It is a word that invites further inquiry and discussion. In narrative writing, 'ongoing' can be used to set a background of persistent tension or atmosphere, such as 'the ongoing sound of the rain' or 'the ongoing sense of unease in the village.'

Professional Contexts: In emails, use 'ongoing' to provide progress reports. 'This is an ongoing priority for our team' sounds much more professional than 'We are still working on this.'

Due to the ongoing nature of the negotiations, we are unable to disclose the specific terms of the agreement at this time.

The museum features an ongoing exhibition that showcases the evolution of contemporary art over the last century.

Our company is committed to ongoing improvement in all areas of customer service and satisfaction.

In the real world, ongoing is a staple of news broadcasts and official statements. If you turn on a news channel like the BBC or CNN, you will frequently hear anchors talk about 'ongoing developments' in a political crisis or an 'ongoing search' for a missing person. It is the language of the 'now' that acknowledges the 'before' and the 'after.' In these contexts, it serves to provide a sense of immediacy and importance to the story being told.

News Media: Journalists use 'ongoing' to signal that a story is still unfolding. It justifies why they are reporting on it again, even if there isn't a major new update.

'We are bringing you the latest on the ongoing rescue efforts following the earthquake,' the reporter stated from the scene.

You will also encounter 'ongoing' in the world of technology and software. When you receive a notification that a 'system update is ongoing,' it means the process is active and you shouldn't turn off your device. In corporate environments, 'ongoing projects' are the lifeblood of the company. During quarterly reviews, employees often discuss their 'ongoing contributions' to the team. It is a word that validates effort over a period of time, rather than just focusing on the final delivery. This makes it a very 'safe' and 'positive' word to use in professional settings.

Educational Settings: Teachers often talk about 'ongoing assessment,' which means they are checking students' progress throughout the semester, not just during one final exam.

The university offers ongoing workshops for students who want to improve their academic writing and research skills.

In social activism and politics, 'ongoing struggles' or 'ongoing movements' describe the persistent fight for rights or change. It acknowledges that social progress is not a single event but a continuous journey. By using 'ongoing,' activists emphasize that the work is not yet done and that continued support is necessary. This usage is powerful because it connects the past efforts of a movement to the present and calls for future action. Whether it's in a courtroom, a hospital, a newsroom, or a classroom, 'ongoing' is the word that connects the dots of time into a single, cohesive narrative of progress.

Legal and Formal Use: In legal contracts, 'ongoing obligations' refers to duties that one must continue to fulfill even after the main part of a contract is completed.

The company's ongoing commitment to sustainability is reflected in their latest environmental impact report.

There is ongoing concern among residents regarding the proposed changes to the local park's layout.

The ongoing success of the program depends on the active participation of all community members.

Even though ongoing is a relatively straightforward word, learners often make a few key mistakes. The most common error is using 'ongoing' when 'current' or 'present' would be more appropriate. Remember, 'ongoing' implies a process or a duration. If you are talking about a static fact, 'current' is better. For example, you wouldn't say 'my ongoing address'; you would say 'my current address.' The address isn't a process that is moving toward a conclusion; it is just a piece of information.

Mistake #1: Static vs. Dynamic: Don't use 'ongoing' for facts that don't change or develop. Use it for activities, processes, or situations that are in motion.

Incorrect: What is your ongoing phone number?
Correct: What is your current phone number?

Another mistake is confusing 'ongoing' with 'continual' or 'continuous.' While they are related, they aren't perfectly interchangeable. 'Continuous' means without any gaps (like a continuous stream of water). 'Ongoing' means the process as a whole is still active, even if work only happens during the day. If you say a meeting is 'ongoing' for three days, it means the series of discussions is happening over that period. If you say it is 'continuous' for three days, it sounds like no one has slept or stopped talking for 72 hours!

Mistake #2: Redundancy: Avoid saying 'still ongoing.' Since 'ongoing' already means 'still happening,' adding 'still' is redundant. Just say 'the investigation is ongoing.'

Redundant: The project is still ongoing at this time.
Better: The project is ongoing.

Finally, be careful with the word order. While it is possible to use 'ongoing' as a predicate adjective (The work is ongoing), it is far more idiomatic to use it as an attributive adjective (The ongoing work). Learners sometimes struggle with where to place it in complex sentences. Just remember that it usually wants to sit right next to the noun it's describing. Overusing 'ongoing' can also make your writing feel repetitive or vague. If you use it five times in one paragraph, try switching to 'current,' 'in progress,' or 'underway' to keep your prose fresh.

Mistake #3: Over-formalization: Don't use 'ongoing' for very casual things. 'My ongoing laundry' sounds a bit strange. 'I'm still doing laundry' is much more natural.

Awkward: We are having an ongoing dinner.
Natural: We are still having dinner.

Incorrect: He has an ongoing car.
Correct: He has a new car / He is still using his old car.

Incorrect: The ongoing book was good.
Correct: The book I am currently reading is good.

To truly master ongoing, you should know how it compares to its synonyms. Each alternative carries a slightly different flavor. 'Current' is the most common substitute, but it lacks the sense of 'process' that 'ongoing' provides. 'In progress' is a great phrase that is slightly more informal but very clear. 'Underway' is specifically used for things that have already started, often used for journeys or large-scale projects.

Ongoing vs. Underway: 'Underway' focuses on the fact that something has successfully started. 'Ongoing' focuses on the fact that it hasn't finished yet. You'll often hear 'The project is now underway' at the beginning and 'The project is ongoing' in the middle.

The ongoing research is yielding interesting results, but the project is still in its early stages.

Another set of similar words includes 'continual' and 'continuous.' As mentioned before, 'continuous' means without interruption, while 'continual' means happening frequently or repeatedly. 'Ongoing' is broader and can encompass both, but it specifically highlights the status of the activity as unfinished. If you want to sound very formal, you might use 'persistent,' which implies that something is ongoing despite difficulties or opposition. For example, 'persistent rumors' sounds more intense than 'ongoing rumors.'

Ongoing vs. Chronic: In medical contexts, 'ongoing' is neutral, while 'chronic' implies a long-term problem that is difficult to cure. 'Ongoing treatment' is positive; 'chronic pain' is negative.

The ongoing support from our donors has allowed us to expand our community outreach programs significantly.

In some cases, 'developing' can be a good alternative, especially for news or stories. 'A developing story' and 'an ongoing story' are very similar, but 'developing' suggests that new information is arriving right now, while 'ongoing' just means it hasn't ended. 'Unfinished' is a more blunt way to say 'ongoing,' usually used for physical objects like 'unfinished business' or 'unfinished homework.' Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the progress, the start, the lack of an end, or the intensity of the situation.

Summary of Alternatives: Current (Now), Underway (Started), In Progress (Active), Sustained (Intense), Chronic (Long-term/Medical), Unending (Never finishes).

Despite ongoing efforts to reduce waste, the city still faces challenges with its recycling program.

The ongoing transition to renewable energy is a complex process that will take several decades to complete.

We appreciate your ongoing patience as we work to resolve the technical difficulties with the website.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Despite feeling like a very modern, corporate word, 'ongoing' has been used in literature since the 1800s, though it became much more popular in the mid-20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɒnˌɡəʊ.ɪŋ/

US /ˈɑːnˌɡoʊ.ɪŋ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: ON-going.

Rhymes With

Foregoing Outgoing Blowing Growing Knowing Showing Throwing Flowing

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as two separate words with equal stress: ON GO-ING.
Confusing the 'o' sound in 'ongoing' with the 'u' sound in 'ungoing' (which is not a word).
Dropping the 'g' at the end, making it sound like 'ongoin'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable: on-GO-ing.
Mispronouncing 'on' as 'un'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and business texts, making it easy to encounter but requires context to understand nuance.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of proper noun-adjective placement and formal register.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but learners might default to 'still happening' instead.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation and usually emphasized in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Go Process Still Finish Continue

Learn Next

Underway Persistent Systemic Sustained Intermittent

Advanced

Perpetual Incessant Unabated Chronic Protracted

Grammar to Know

Present Continuous Tense

I am working on the project. (The state is ongoing).

Attributive Adjectives

The ongoing (adjective) investigation (noun).

Gerunds as Nouns

Ongoing learning is important. ('Learning' is a gerund acting as a noun).

Compound Adjectives

Ongoing is a closed compound adjective.

Predicate Adjectives

The work is ongoing. ('Ongoing' follows the linking verb 'is').

Examples by Level

The work is ongoing.

Le travail est en cours.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

Is the game ongoing?

Le jeu est-il toujours en cours ?

Question form of the sentence.

We have ongoing classes.

Nous avons des cours réguliers.

Ongoing used before the noun 'classes'.

The rain is ongoing.

La pluie continue.

Used to describe weather that hasn't stopped.

He has an ongoing project.

Il a un projet en cours.

Ongoing used as an adjective.

Their talk is ongoing.

Leur discussion continue.

Describes a conversation in progress.

The sale is ongoing.

La vente est en cours.

Commonly seen in shopping contexts.

Ongoing help is good.

Une aide continue est une bonne chose.

Ongoing as the subject modifier.

The ongoing construction makes noise.

Les travaux en cours font du bruit.

Ongoing modifying a gerund-noun 'construction'.

She needs ongoing medical care.

Elle a besoin de soins médicaux continus.

Used for long-term health situations.

They have an ongoing problem with the car.

Ils ont un problème persistant avec la voiture.

Used for a problem that keeps happening.

The ongoing series is very popular.

La série en cours est très populaire.

Describes a show that hasn't finished its run.

We provide ongoing support for our app.

Nous fournissons un support continu pour notre application.

Common business phrase.

The ongoing debate about school uniforms.

Le débat en cours sur les uniformes scolaires.

Used for social discussions.

Is there an ongoing cost?

Y a-t-il un coût récurrent ?

Refers to regular, repeated payments.

The ongoing search for the lost dog.

La recherche continue du chien perdu.

Used for search activities.

The company face ongoing challenges with supply chains.

L'entreprise fait face à des défis persistants avec les chaînes d'approvisionnement.

Ongoing used with plural nouns.

Ongoing research suggests that exercise helps memory.

Les recherches en cours suggèrent que l'exercice aide la mémoire.

Common in academic reporting.

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to the team.

Nous apprécions votre engagement continu envers l'équipe.

Formal appreciation in a workplace.

There is an ongoing investigation into the fire.

Une enquête est en cours sur l'incendie.

Standard news/legal phrase.

The museum has an ongoing program for children.

Le musée a un programme permanent pour les enfants.

Describes a permanent or long-term schedule.

They are in ongoing negotiations for a new contract.

Ils sont en négociations en cours pour un nouveau contrat.

Prepositional phrase 'in ongoing negotiations'.

The ongoing maintenance of the park is expensive.

L'entretien régulier du parc coûte cher.

Ongoing used with maintenance.

We need to ensure ongoing safety for all workers.

Nous devons assurer une sécurité continue pour tous les travailleurs.

Used for continuous states like safety.

Despite ongoing efforts, the species remains endangered.

Malgré les efforts en cours, l'espèce reste en danger.

Used in a concessive clause starting with 'Despite'.

The ongoing transition to digital systems has been difficult.

La transition en cours vers les systèmes numériques a été difficile.

Describes a complex, time-consuming process.

There is an ongoing debate about the ethics of AI.

Il y a un débat en cours sur l'éthique de l'IA.

Used for intellectual or social discussions.

The ongoing success of the brand is due to its quality.

Le succès continu de la marque est dû à sa qualité.

Attributive use describing a positive state.

We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the region.

Nous suivons de près la situation en cours dans la région.

Formal phrase for political or crisis management.

The project is ongoing, with more updates expected next week.

Le projet est en cours, et d'autres mises à jour sont attendues la semaine prochaine.

Used as a predicate adjective after 'is'.

Ongoing feedback is essential for professional growth.

Un feedback continu est essentiel pour la croissance professionnelle.

Subject of the sentence.

They face ongoing criticism for their environmental policies.

Ils font l'objet de critiques constantes pour leurs politiques environnementales.

Used for sustained negative reactions.

The ongoing integration of global markets presents both risks and rewards.

L'intégration continue des marchés mondiaux présente à la fois des risques et des récompenses.

Used for large-scale economic processes.

Ongoing shifts in demographics are reshaping the political landscape.

Les changements démographiques en cours remodèlent le paysage politique.

Used for slow, structural changes.

The study highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the workplace.

L'étude met en évidence la lutte continue pour l'égalité des sexes sur le lieu de travail.

Refers to a social movement or historical process.

The ongoing evolution of the virus requires constant vigilance.

L'évolution continue du virus nécessite une vigilance constante.

Scientific context for biological change.

There is an ongoing tension between traditional values and modern lifestyles.

Il existe une tension persistante entre les valeurs traditionnelles et les modes de vie modernes.

Describes a persistent abstract state.

The report detailed the ongoing maintenance costs of the aging infrastructure.

Le rapport détaille les coûts d'entretien continus des infrastructures vieillissantes.

Specific technical/financial use.

Her ongoing contribution to the field of linguistics is widely recognized.

Sa contribution continue au domaine de la linguistique est largement reconnue.

Used for career-long impact.

The ongoing dialogue between the two nations has prevented open conflict.

Le dialogue continu entre les deux nations a empêché un conflit ouvert.

Diplomatic context.

The poem reflects the ongoing human quest for meaning in a chaotic universe.

Le poème reflète la quête humaine permanente de sens dans un univers chaotique.

Philosophical and literary application.

The ongoing dialectic between freedom and security remains a central theme of the novel.

La dialectique constante entre liberté et sécurité reste un thème central du roman.

Highly academic use with 'dialectic'.

Ongoing systemic failures within the department led to the eventual collapse of the project.

Les défaillances systémiques persistantes au sein du département ont conduit à l'effondrement final du projet.

Used for complex organizational issues.

The artist's ongoing fascination with light is evident in her latest series of landscapes.

La fascination constante de l'artiste pour la lumière est évidente dans sa dernière série de paysages.

Describes an internal, psychological state over time.

We must address the ongoing erosion of public trust in democratic institutions.

Nous devons nous attaquer à l'érosion continue de la confiance du public dans les institutions démocratiques.

Metaphorical use with 'erosion'.

The ongoing refinement of the theory has made it more robust over time.

L'affinement continu de la théorie l'a rendue plus robuste au fil du temps.

Used for intellectual development.

Despite the ongoing volatility of the market, investors remain cautiously optimistic.

Malgré la volatilité persistante du marché, les investisseurs restent prudemment optimistes.

Financial context for instability.

The ongoing narrative of progress is often used to justify technological expansion.

Le récit continu du progrès est souvent utilisé pour justifier l'expansion technologique.

Sociological use of 'narrative'.

Synonyms

continuous underway persistent uninterrupted constant current

Antonyms

finished completed terminated

Common Collocations

ongoing investigation

ongoing support

ongoing process

ongoing debate

ongoing effort

ongoing maintenance

ongoing challenge

ongoing project

ongoing commitment

ongoing relationship

Common Phrases

keep someone informed of ongoing developments

— To provide regular updates to someone about a situation that is still changing.

I will keep you informed of any ongoing developments regarding the merger.

an ongoing basis

— Something that happens regularly or continuously rather than just once.

We need to monitor these statistics on an ongoing basis.

subject to ongoing review

— Something that is being checked regularly and might change in the future.

The school's safety policies are subject to ongoing review.

part of an ongoing series

— One part of a larger group of things that are being released over time.

This article is part of an ongoing series on healthy living.

ongoing technical issues

— Problems with technology that haven't been fixed yet.

We apologize for the ongoing technical issues with our website.

ongoing professional development

— The continuous process of learning new skills for your career.

Teachers are required to participate in ongoing professional development.

ongoing dialogue

— A conversation between two groups that continues over a long period.

There is an ongoing dialogue between the management and the union.

due to ongoing demand

— Because people still want or need something in large amounts.

Due to ongoing demand, we have added more seats to the flight.

ongoing commitment to excellence

— A formal way to say a company or person always tries to do their best.

The award recognizes the hospital's ongoing commitment to excellence.

an ongoing struggle

— A difficult situation that has lasted a long time and is not yet over.

Finding a balance between work and life is an ongoing struggle for many.

Often Confused With

ongoing vs Upcoming

Upcoming means something will happen soon but hasn't started. Ongoing means it has already started and is still happening.

ongoing vs Outgoing

Outgoing describes someone who is friendly and social, or someone who is leaving a position. It is not about a process in progress.

ongoing vs Continuous

Continuous means without any breaks. Ongoing means the process is active, but there might be pauses in the work.

Idioms & Expressions

"a work in progress"

— Something that is not yet finished and is still being improved. Very similar to 'ongoing.'

My novel is still a work in progress.

Informal to Neutral

"in the pipeline"

— Refers to things that are being planned or are currently being developed.

We have several new features in the pipeline for next year.

Business/Informal

"on the go"

— While this usually means being busy, it can sometimes refer to something that is active.

I have several projects on the go right now.

Informal

"keep the ball rolling"

— To make sure that an ongoing process or activity continues without stopping.

We need to keep the ball rolling on these negotiations.

Informal

"in full swing"

— When an ongoing activity is at its busiest or most active point.

The party was in full swing when we arrived.

Informal

"slow and steady wins the race"

— Implies that an ongoing, consistent effort is better than a fast, short one.

Don't rush the research; remember, slow and steady wins the race.

Proverb/Informal

"the gears are turning"

— A metaphorical way to say that a process is ongoing and progress is being made.

The management is thinking about your proposal; the gears are turning.

Informal

"under the hood"

— Refers to the ongoing, internal processes of a system that aren't visible.

There's a lot of ongoing calculation happening under the hood of this app.

Technical/Informal

"stay the course"

— To continue with an ongoing plan or activity despite difficulties.

We must stay the course if we want to finish this project on time.

Formal/Idiomatic

"keep at it"

— To continue working on an ongoing task.

This math problem is hard, but if you keep at it, you'll solve it.

Informal

Easily Confused

ongoing vs Current

Both refer to the present time.

Current refers to a point in time; ongoing refers to a process over time. You have a current address, but an ongoing project.

My current car is old, but my search for a new one is ongoing.

ongoing vs Underway

Both mean something has started.

Underway focuses on the start and the motion. Ongoing focuses on the duration and the lack of completion.

The trial is now underway and is expected to be an ongoing process for months.

ongoing vs Continual

Both involve things continuing.

Continual means happening very often with breaks. Ongoing means the whole situation is still active.

The continual noise from the street made the ongoing meeting very difficult.

ongoing vs Persistent

Both involve something not stopping.

Persistent often has a negative connotation or implies resistance. Ongoing is more neutral.

The ongoing investigation is looking into the persistent rumors of corruption.

ongoing vs Developing

Both mean something is changing.

Developing implies growth or new information. Ongoing just implies it hasn't finished.

This is a developing story about an ongoing crisis.

Sentence Patterns

The [noun] is ongoing.

The game is ongoing.

We have an ongoing [noun].

We have an ongoing project.

Due to ongoing [noun], [result].

Due to ongoing rain, the match was cancelled.

Despite ongoing [noun], [contrast].

Despite ongoing efforts, the problem remains.

The ongoing [noun] of [concept] is [adjective].

The ongoing evolution of technology is fascinating.

[Noun] is subject to ongoing [noun].

The policy is subject to ongoing review.

Provide ongoing [noun] for [person].

We provide ongoing support for our clients.

Part of an ongoing [noun].

This is part of an ongoing series.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High (Top 3000 words in English)

Common Mistakes

Using 'ongoing' for static facts. → My current address is...
Ongoing implies a process or development. An address is just a piece of information that doesn't 'develop.'
Saying 'still ongoing.' → The investigation is ongoing.
This is a tautology (using two words that mean the same thing). 'Ongoing' already includes the meaning of 'still.'
Confusing 'ongoing' with 'upcoming.' → The upcoming meeting is tomorrow; the ongoing project is today.
Ongoing is happening now; upcoming is in the future. Don't mix them up when scheduling!
Using it as a verb. → The work is ongoing.
Ongoing is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot say 'The work ongoings.'
Using it for very short actions. → The movie is playing.
Ongoing is usually for longer processes like projects or investigations, not a 2-hour movie.

Tips

Avoid Redundancy

Never use 'still ongoing.' It is like saying 'currently happening right now.' Pick one and stick with it for cleaner writing.

Business English

Use 'ongoing' when writing status reports. It sounds much more professional than saying things are 'not finished' or 'still being done.'

Placement

Try to place 'ongoing' before the noun most of the time. 'The ongoing search' flows better than 'The search which is ongoing' in most sentences.

Synonym Choice

If you are talking about a physical journey, use 'underway.' If you are talking about a medical condition, use 'chronic.' Use 'ongoing' for everything else.

Building Trust

Use 'ongoing commitment' or 'ongoing support' in customer service to show that you are reliable and will be there for the long term.

Research Updates

In essays, use 'ongoing research' to show that a topic is still being explored and that the final answer hasn't been found yet.

News Context

When you hear 'ongoing' in the news, it's a signal that the story is important enough to keep following even without new big events.

Confidence

Saying 'the project is ongoing' sounds like you are in control. It implies you have a plan and are moving forward.

Conciseness

Use 'ongoing' to shorten your sentences. 'Our ongoing efforts to improve' is shorter than 'the efforts we are making to improve.'

The ON/GO Rule

If the process is ON and it is GOing, use ongoing. It's a simple way to remember the meaning and the spelling.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word as 'ON' + 'GOING.' If the lights are ON, the project is GOING. It hasn't stopped!

Visual Association

Imagine a green traffic light that stays green. The cars are constantly moving through it. This represents an ongoing flow of traffic.

Word Web

Process Progress Current Unfinished Continuous Active Middle Development

Challenge

Write three sentences about things in your life that are 'ongoing.' For example, your English studies, a book you are reading, or a project at work.

Word Origin

The word 'ongoing' is a compound adjective formed from the preposition 'on' and the present participle 'going.' It first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century.

Original meaning: It originally meant 'the act of going on' or 'progress.' Over time, it shifted from a noun-like usage to a pure adjective.

English (Germanic origin).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'ongoing' to describe a problem. It can sometimes sound like you are making an excuse for why something isn't fixed yet.

Used frequently in formal emails and news reports to sound objective and professional.

The ongoing 'War on Terror' (political phrase). Ongoing 'Civil Rights Movement' (historical/social context). The ongoing 'Space Race' (historical context).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

Ongoing project
Ongoing support
Ongoing maintenance
Ongoing training

News/Journalism

Ongoing investigation
Ongoing development
Ongoing conflict
Ongoing search

Healthcare

Ongoing treatment
Ongoing care
Ongoing symptoms
Ongoing monitoring

Academic

Ongoing research
Ongoing debate
Ongoing study
Ongoing assessment

Legal

Ongoing litigation
Ongoing dispute
Ongoing negotiations
Ongoing proceedings

Conversation Starters

"Do you have any ongoing projects at work that you are particularly excited about?"

"How do you handle ongoing challenges in your daily life to stay productive?"

"What is an ongoing debate in your country that people feel very strongly about?"

"Are there any ongoing series on Netflix that you would recommend I watch?"

"Do you think ongoing education is necessary for everyone, regardless of their job?"

Journal Prompts

Describe an ongoing goal you are working toward. What steps have you taken so far and what is left to do?

Write about an ongoing struggle in the world today. Why do you think it is so difficult to resolve?

Reflect on an ongoing relationship in your life. how has it changed and developed over the last few years?

What is an ongoing hobby or interest you have? How do you make time for it in your busy schedule?

Discuss an ongoing technological change. How do you think it will affect your life in the next ten years?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is better to avoid 'still ongoing' because it is redundant. 'Ongoing' already means 'still happening.' Just say 'the work is ongoing' to sound more professional.

Yes, 'ongoing' is considered a formal or neutral word. It is very common in business, news, and academic writing, but might sound a bit stiff in very casual conversation.

Not usually. You wouldn't say 'an ongoing person.' However, you can use it to describe a person's attributes over time, like 'their ongoing commitment' or 'their ongoing success.'

They are very similar. 'In progress' is slightly more common for specific tasks (like a download in progress), while 'ongoing' is used for broader situations (like an ongoing investigation).

Yes, in modern English, 'ongoing' is almost exclusively used as an adjective to modify a noun or as a predicate adjective after a linking verb.

Yes, it is often used for negative things like 'ongoing problems,' 'ongoing conflicts,' or 'ongoing technical issues.'

There is 'ongoingness,' but it is very rare and sounds quite academic. Most people just use phrases like 'the continuation of' or 'the status of.'

No, it just means it hasn't ended yet. It implies that there will be a conclusion at some point in the future, even if we don't know when.

No, it is used for processes, activities, or states. You can't have an 'ongoing chair,' but you can have 'ongoing repairs to a chair.'

It's great for updates! Try: 'I am writing to give you an update on our ongoing project' or 'Thank you for your ongoing patience.'