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 ongoing. [ongoing: adjective]
Example
The ongoing construction work is causing traffic delays. [ongoing: adjective]
proceeding
Example
The proceedings of the conference will be published in a report. [proceedings: noun]
Example
The team is proceeding with the plan despite some challenges. [proceeding: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ongoing is more commonly used in everyday language than proceeding, which is often used in more formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ongoing and proceeding?
Proceeding is generally more formal than ongoing, and is often used in legal or formal contexts. Ongoing is more commonly used in everyday language and is less formal.
