Em 15 segundos
- Project has started, actively progressing.
- Professional way to signal ongoing tasks.
- Used in formal and business communications.
- Communicates progress without specific details.
Significado
Quando você diz "O trabalho está em andamento em" algo, você está comunicando que um projeto ou tarefa já começou e está sendo ativamente perseguido. Isso transmite um tom profissional e tranquilizador, sinalizando progresso sem a necessidade de especificar quem está fazendo o quê no momento.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 10Team meeting update for a website redesign
Good news, everyone! **Work is underway on** the new homepage layout, and it's looking fantastic.
Good news, everyone! Work has started on the new homepage layout, and it's looking fantastic.
Instagram caption for a behind-the-scenes shot
Sneak peek! 👀 **Work is underway on** our next big collection. Get ready for some magic! #comingsoon
Sneak peek! Work has started on our next big collection. Get ready for some magic! #comingsoon
Email to a client about a software feature
Dear [Client Name], we're pleased to inform you that **work is underway on** implementing the custom reporting feature you requested.
Dear [Client Name], we're pleased to inform you that development has started on implementing the custom reporting feature you requested.
Contexto cultural
Using this phrase is a key part of 'managing up.' It allows employees to show they are busy and productive without needing to provide a finished product immediately. In English-speaking news, this phrase is used to avoid bias. By saying 'Work is underway,' the reporter doesn't have to blame or praise a specific person for the speed of the work. In many English-speaking countries, signs saying 'Work Underway' are legally required at construction sites to warn the public of potential hazards. In the tech world, 'underway' is often replaced by 'in the pipeline' or 'in development,' but 'work is underway' remains the standard for official press releases.
The 'On' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'on'. You work ON something, so work is underway ON something.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every single small task, you will sound like a robot or a politician. Save it for significant projects.
Em 15 segundos
- Project has started, actively progressing.
- Professional way to signal ongoing tasks.
- Used in formal and business communications.
- Communicates progress without specific details.
What It Means
Ever heard someone say, "Work is underway on the new website"? They're simply telling you that the project isn't just a dream – it's happening! It means the process has begun, and efforts are actively being made to get it done. Think of it like a chef stirring a pot; the meal isn't ready, but they're definitely cooking.
How To Use It
Using work is underway on is straightforward. You just plug in the project or task after on. It's perfect for giving updates without getting bogged down in details. "Work is underway on our Q3 report," for instance, is a neat way to say, "We're writing that report, so chill!" It's a professional way to manage expectations and show progress. Need to update your boss? This is your phrase!
Formality & Register
This phrase lives in the neutral to formal part of the language spectrum. You'll hear it in board meetings, project updates, and official announcements. It's less common in casual chats with friends about your weekend plans. You probably wouldn't text, "Work is underway on my laundry," unless you're being super sarcastic. Save it for when you need to sound polished and professional. It's the linguistic equivalent of a business suit – smart and efficient.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your city building a new park. The mayor might announce, "Work is underway on the new community park, expected to open next spring." Or, if you're eagerly awaiting a new game update, the developers might tweet, "Work is underway on the next patch, aiming for a late-November release." You'll also see it in news reports about infrastructure projects or corporate mergers. It's a common phrase in the world of progress and planning.
When To Use It
* Project Updates: "Work is underway on the redesign." – Perfect for team meetings.
* Official Announcements: "Work is underway on the new policy changes." – Think press releases or company-wide emails.
* Responding to Inquiries: "Yes, work is underway on your request." – Polite and professional.
* Setting Expectations: Let people know things are moving, but not yet complete. It's your verbal progress bar.
When NOT To Use It
* Casual Conversations: Avoid it when chatting with friends. "Work is underway on getting pizza" sounds a bit robotic.
* Very Informal Contexts: Texting, social media comments (unless you're a corporate account), or talking to your pet. They won't appreciate the gravitas.
* When Something is Already Done: If the project is finished, don't use it! "Work was underway on the completed report" makes zero sense. Use past tense or say it's complete.
* When You Need to Be Specific: If someone asks, "Who's doing what?" this phrase gives no detail. It's for broad updates.
Common Mistakes
Common Variations
* Progress is being made on...: Slightly less formal, but still professional.
* Development is in progress on...: Common in tech and software.
* The project is in progress/underway: More direct.
* We're working on...: More casual and direct, suitable for internal teams.
* Efforts are ongoing regarding...: A bit more formal, often for abstract issues.
Real Conversations
Boss
You
Team Member 1: "Is the server migration happening soon?"
Team Member 2: "Absolutely! Work is underway on the data transfer as we speak. We expect minimal downtime."
Project Manager: "Did that new feature get approved?"
Developer
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use "Work is underway on" for personal tasks?
A: Not usually. It sounds overly formal for things like cleaning your room or cooking dinner. Stick to "I'm working on..." for personal stuff.
Q: Is it always followed by "on"?
A: Almost always! "On" is the standard preposition here, indicating the subject of the ongoing work. Don't skip it.
Q: Does it imply a positive outcome?
A: Not necessarily. It just means progress is being made. The outcome could still be uncertain, but it signals effort.
Q: Can I use "underway" by itself?
A: Yes, but the meaning changes slightly. "The project is underway" means it's started. "Work is underway on..." specifies *what* is being worked on.
Q: Is there a more casual alternative?
A: Definitely! "We're working on it," "It's being developed," or "It's in progress" are all good, more relaxed options.
Q: What if the work just started?
A: It's perfectly fine to use it if the work just began. It doesn't imply a long duration, just that it's no longer 'planned' but 'active'.
Notas de uso
This phrase is best reserved for professional and formal communication where you need to convey active progress on a project or task. Always follow it with 'on' and the subject of the work. Avoid using it in casual conversations or when the work is already complete, as it will sound unnatural or even incorrect.
The 'On' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'on'. You work ON something, so work is underway ON something.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every single small task, you will sound like a robot or a politician. Save it for significant projects.
Subject Variety
You can replace 'Work' with 'Construction', 'Repairs', or 'Research' to be more specific.
The 'Non-Update'
In business, this is a great way to buy time if you've started a task but don't have results yet.
Exemplos
10Good news, everyone! **Work is underway on** the new homepage layout, and it's looking fantastic.
Good news, everyone! Work has started on the new homepage layout, and it's looking fantastic.
A clear, positive update to a team, indicating progress.
Sneak peek! 👀 **Work is underway on** our next big collection. Get ready for some magic! #comingsoon
Sneak peek! Work has started on our next big collection. Get ready for some magic! #comingsoon
Used informally on social media to build excitement and anticipation for an upcoming product.
Dear [Client Name], we're pleased to inform you that **work is underway on** implementing the custom reporting feature you requested.
Dear [Client Name], we're pleased to inform you that development has started on implementing the custom reporting feature you requested.
Professional communication to a client, reassuring them that their request is being handled.
✗ Hey, **work is underway on** cooking dinner. → ✓ Hey, I'm cooking dinner now.
✗ Hey, cooking dinner has started. → ✓ Hey, I'm cooking dinner now.
This phrase is too formal for a casual text about dinner. 'I'm cooking dinner now' is more natural.
The mayor confirmed that **work is underway on** the new bridge expansion, with minimal disruption to traffic expected.
The mayor confirmed that construction has started on the new bridge expansion, with minimal disruption to traffic expected.
Formal announcement about public works, signaling progress.
I'm excited to share that **work is underway on** my new sculpture series, exploring themes of resilience and nature.
I'm excited to share that I've started my new sculpture series, exploring themes of resilience and nature.
Can be used for significant personal projects when speaking to someone in a formal or mentor-mentee relationship.
Alright team, **work is underway on** that critical login bug. Expect a patch by EOD.
Alright team, I've started fixing that critical login bug. Expect a patch by end of day.
A direct, action-oriented update to a technical team.
After much deliberation, **work is underway on** my quest for the perfect cup of coffee. Wish me luck!
After much deliberation, I've started my quest for the perfect cup of coffee. Wish me luck!
Used humorously by applying a formal phrase to an informal, often trivial, task.
It's been a tough journey, but I can honestly say **work is underway on** rebuilding my confidence after everything.
It's been a tough journey, but I can honestly say I've started rebuilding my confidence after everything.
Highlights the active and ongoing nature of a deeply personal and often difficult process.
✗ At my previous role, **work was underway for** several key initiatives. → ✓ At my previous role, **work was underway on** several key initiatives.
✗ At my previous role, several key initiatives were being started. → ✓ At my previous role, several key initiatives were being started.
The correct preposition is 'on', not 'for'. This is a common error.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Work is finally underway ___ the new library downtown.
We always use 'on' with 'work is underway' when referring to a specific project.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?
You want to tell a client you started their project.
This is the standard formal expression for professional progress.
Fill in the missing phrase.
A: Is the new software ready? B: Not yet, but ______ on the final version.
'Work is underway' is the correct fixed expression.
Match the situation to the most natural sentence.
1. A massive highway project. 2. A casual chat about dinner. 3. A police investigation.
'Underway' is for formal/large projects, not casual cooking.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formal vs. Informal Progress
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosWork is finally underway ___ the new library downtown.
We always use 'on' with 'work is underway' when referring to a specific project.
You want to tell a client you started their project.
This is the standard formal expression for professional progress.
A: Is the new software ready? B: Not yet, but ______ on the final version.
'Work is underway' is the correct fixed expression.
1. A massive highway project. 2. A casual chat about dinner. 3. A police investigation.
'Underway' is for formal/large projects, not casual cooking.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Tutoriais em video
Encontre tutoriais em vídeo sobre esta expressão no YouTube.
Perguntas frequentes
12 perguntasIt is possible, but 'on' is much more common and natural for specific projects. 'For' is used more for goals, e.g., 'Work is underway for a better future.'
In American English, it's usually one word ('underway'). In British English, it's often two ('under way'). Both are correct.
It is technically active (Work is...), but it functions like a passive because it doesn't say who is doing the work.
Yes, if it's a big project. 'Work is underway on my thesis.' For a small math worksheet, it sounds too formal.
You could say 'stalled,' 'on hold,' or 'at a standstill.'
It is always 'way.' 'Underweigh' is a common misspelling based on the phrase 'weigh anchor.'
Yes: 'Work was underway on the project when the funding was cut.'
No, it just means it has started and is currently happening. It doesn't say anything about the end date.
Absolutely. It sounds very professional. 'At my last job, I made sure work was underway on the new database by the second week.'
No, that's not natural. Use 'Work is underway on...' or 'I am working on...'
Yes, 'The game is underway' means the match has started.
Usually, yes. In a text, just say 'I've started' or 'I'm on it.'
Frases relacionadas
In the works
similarBeing planned or worked on.
In progress
synonymCurrently happening.
Under development
specialized formSpecifically for products or software.
Afoot
similarIn preparation or progress.
On the anvil
similarIn the process of being made.
In the pipeline
similarComing soon; being processed.