What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ongoing
Example
The investigation into the matter is still ongoing. [ongoing: adjective]
Example
The company has an ongoing project to improve their customer service. [ongoing: adjective]
Example
We are still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. [ongoing: adjective]
developing
Example
The company is developing a new product line to expand their business. [developing: verb]
Example
The child is still developing their language skills. [developing: present participle]
Example
The government is working on developing policies to address climate change. [developing: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ongoing is more commonly used than developing in everyday language, especially in formal contexts such as business or legal matters. Developing is more commonly used in the context of personal growth or progress.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ongoing and developing?
Ongoing is more formal than developing and is often used in legal or business contexts to describe a situation or process that is still in progress or unresolved. Developing is more informal and is often used in personal or educational contexts to describe growth or progress.
