Have you ever paused while writing an email and wondered whether to say “in process” or “in progress”? You’re not alone. These two phrases look and sound similar, but they don’t always work in the same situations. In this “In Process” vs “In Progress”: The Complete Guide, you’ll learn the difference between them in a simple and practical way, with examples that make the choice easier.
At first glance, the distinction may seem small, but choosing the right phrase can make your writing clearer and more professional. You may see “in progress” in project updates, reports, and workplace messages, while “in process” can appear when something is moving through a particular procedure or system. Understanding the meaning, context, and grammar behind each phrase can help you avoid common mistakes and communicate your ideas more precisely.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who wants to improve everyday English, knowing when to use these phrases can make a real difference. This guide will explain their definitions, common uses, grammar rules, and real-world examples. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear way to remember the difference and choose the expression that fits your sentence naturally.
What Does “In Progress” Mean?
“In progress” means that something has started and is currently continuing. It shows that an action, task, event, or project is actively happening but has not reached completion.
The phrase focuses on movement, development, and ongoing activity. When someone says, “The project is in progress,” they mean the team has already started working on it and the work is still continuing.
For example:
- The website redesign is in progress.
- The meeting is in progress.
- The repairs are in progress.
- The research project is in progress.
A simple way to remember it is:
Progress means moving forward.
Imagine a progress bar on your computer screen. When the bar moves from 10% to 90%, the task is still happening. It has not finished yet, but it is moving toward completion.
Common Situations Where “In Progress” Is Used
The phrase “in progress” appears in many areas of daily and professional life.
| Situation | Example | Meaning |
| Business projects | The marketing campaign is in progress. | The team is actively working on it. |
| Construction | The building work is in progress. | Workers are currently completing the work. |
| Meetings | The conference is in progress. | The event has already started. |
| Education | My training is in progress. | Learning is continuing. |
| Technology | The software update is in progress. | Developers are working on the update. |
| “In progress” is one of the most common phrases used to describe unfinished activities because it clearly shows action. |
What Does “In Process” Mean?
“In process” means that something has entered a particular procedure or system. It usually refers to something being handled through several planned steps.
Unlike “in progress,” this phrase focuses less on active movement and more on the process itself.
For example:
- Your application is in process.
- Your payment is in process.
- Your request is in process.
- The documents are in process.
Think about applying for a passport. Your application does not instantly become complete. It moves through different stages, such as document checking, approval, and final processing.
During those stages, the application is in process.
Common Situations Where “In Process” Is Used
“In process” is often used in formal, administrative, and business situations.
| Situation | Example | Meaning |
| Applications | Your visa application is in process. | Officials are reviewing it. |
| Customer service | Your refund is in process. | The company is handling the refund. |
| Legal matters | The case is in process. | The case is moving through legal steps. |
| Manufacturing | The product is in process. | The product is moving through production stages. |
| Business operations | The approval is in process. | The request is going through review. |
| The phrase works best when there is a clear system or workflow involved. |
“In Process” vs “In Progress”: The Main Difference
The easiest way to understand the difference is to focus on what you are describing.
| Phrase | Main Focus | Example |
| In Progress | An activity happening now | The construction project is in progress. |
| In Process | Something moving through steps | The building permit is in process. |
| Here is another example: | ||
| The house construction is in progress. | ||
| This means workers are currently building the house. | ||
| The construction permit is in process. | ||
| This means the paperwork is moving through approval stages. | ||
| Both sentences relate to the same project, but they describe different parts of it. |
Is “In Process” Correct English?
Yes, “in process” is correct English, but it is not as commonly used as “in progress.”
Many English speakers prefer “in progress” because it fits more situations. However, “in process” still has an important role, especially in professional and official communication.
For example:
- Your application is in process.
- Your payment is in process.
- Your background check is in process.
These sentences sound natural because applications, payments, and checks usually follow a structured procedure.
Is “In Progress” More Common Than “In Process”?
Yes, “in progress” is much more common in everyday English.
People use it when talking about activities, projects, events, and personal goals.
Examples:
- The renovation is in progress.
- The meeting is in progress.
- The investigation is in progress.
- The training program is in progress.
Because the phrase is flexible, it appears frequently in workplaces, schools, technology, and daily conversations.
“In Process” vs “In Progress” in Professional Communication
Choosing the right phrase can improve clarity in workplace communication.
Imagine a company updating customers about their orders. The phrase they choose affects how people understand the situation.
For example:
“Your order is in progress.”
This suggests the company is actively working on completing the order.
“Your order is in process.”
This suggests the order has entered a processing system.
Both can work, but the second one sounds more connected to a formal workflow.
Using These Phrases in Project Management
Project managers often use “in progress” as a status label because it quickly tells teams what is happening.
A typical project workflow may look like this:
| Status | Meaning |
| Not Started | Work has not begun. |
| In Progress | Work is currently happening. |
| Under Review | Someone is checking the work. |
| Completed | The task is finished. |
| For active tasks, “in progress” provides a clearer update. |
Common Mistakes With “In Process” and “In Progress”
Many mistakes happen because people focus only on the idea of something being unfinished.
However, the context matters.
Using “In Process” for Every Situation
Incorrect:
“The meeting is in process.”
Better:
“The meeting is in progress.”
A meeting is an event happening at a specific time. It is not usually a formal procedure.
Using “In Progress” for Formal Procedures
Less precise:
“Your application is in progress.”
Better:
“Your application is in process.”
An application usually moves through a review system, so “in process” often sounds more accurate.
Real-World Examples of “In Progress”
Business Example
“The company’s new website design is in progress.”
This means designers, developers, and content teams are actively working on improving the website.
The work may include:
- Creating new pages
- Updating information
- Testing features
- Improving user experience
Construction Example
“The road repair project is in progress.”
This tells people that workers are currently repairing the road and the project is not finished yet.
Personal Growth Example
“My fitness journey is in progress.”
This means improvement is continuing over time. Personal goals often do not have instant results, so this phrase fits naturally.
Real-World Examples of “In Process”
Application Example
“Your university application is in process.”
This means the application has entered the review stage.
Customer Service Example
“Your refund is in process.”
This means the company has started handling the refund, but the transaction is not complete.
Manufacturing Example
“The product is in process.”
This means the item is currently moving through different production stages before completion.
Read More: Pre vs Post: Understanding These Powerful Prefixes
Alternatives for “In Progress” and “In Process”
Sometimes another phrase may communicate your meaning better.
Alternatives for “In Progress”
- Ongoing
- Underway
- Continuing
- Happening
- Developing
- Taking place
Examples:
- The project is ongoing.
- The repairs are underway.
- The discussion is continuing.
Alternatives for “In Process”
- Being processed
- Under review
- Being handled
- Pending approval
- Going through procedures
Examples:
- Your request is under review.
- Your documents are being processed.
“In Progress” vs “Underway” vs “Ongoing”
These phrases are similar but have small differences.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| In Progress | Something has started and is continuing | The project is in progress. |
| Underway | Something has officially started | The event is underway. |
| Ongoing | Something continues over time | The discussion is ongoing. |
| For most work-related tasks, “in progress” is the safest and clearest choice. |
How to Remember the Difference Between “In Process” and “In Progress”
A simple memory trick can help:
Progress = moving forward
Think about a runner moving toward the finish line. The person is making progress.
Process = following steps
Think about cooking a recipe. You follow steps until the meal is complete.
So:
- A project is in progress.
- An application is in process
Conclusion:
Understanding “in process” vs. “in progress” becomes much easier once you focus on what you’re describing. In progress usually refers to an activity, task, or project that has started but hasn’t finished. In process often refers to something being handled through a particular procedure or system. Choosing the correct phrase can make your emails, reports, academic writing, and workplace communication clearer and more professional.
The key is to look at the context before choosing your words. If you’re talking about an ongoing activity, in progress will usually be the better choice. If you’re describing something moving through an established process, in process may fit. With regular practice and attention to how native speakers use these phrases, the difference will become easier to remember.
FAQs:
Is “in progress” more common than “in process”?
Yes. “In progress” is generally more common in everyday and professional English, especially when describing tasks, projects, activities, and work that has started but isn’t finished.
Is “in process” grammatically correct?
Yes, “in process” can be grammatically correct, but its use depends heavily on context. It often refers to something being handled through a specific procedure or system.
Can I use “in process” and “in progress” interchangeably?
Not always. Although both can describe something unfinished, they emphasize different ideas. In progress focuses on ongoing activity, while in process often highlights a procedure or system.
Which phrase should I use in a work email?
In most situations, “in progress” is the safer and more natural choice when you’re talking about an ongoing task or project. For example, you can say, “The report is in progress.”
How can I remember the difference?
Think of progress as movement toward completion and process as a series of steps. If something is actively happening, in progress will often be the better choice. If something is going through a specific procedure, in process may be appropriate..
