in work

IPA/ɪn wˈɜːk/
IPA/ɪn wˈɜːk/

in work — phrase

1. if a project, piece of writing, or task is in work, it is currently being worked

1.phraseB1
Definition

if a project, piece of writing, or task is in work, it is currently being worked on and is not yet finished

Example

Yasmin showed us the report she has in work for the marketing department.

present tense: has in work [project]

The new playground design is still in work, so the builders have not started yet.

passive sense: is still in work

Common collocations
  • still in work
  • have something in work
  • project in work
  • currently in work
Synonyms
  • under way

    slightly more formal; common in news and official reports

  • in progress

    more widely used across all registers; sounds slightly more formal

  • being done

    less common as a fixed phrase; more of a general description

Antonyms
  • completed

    finished and no longer being worked on

  • on hold

    temporarily paused, not actively being worked on

Grammar Patterns

be + in work

Usage Note

Unlike 'under way' or 'in progress', this phrase is most common in workplace and project-management contexts. It is almost always used predicatively after a form of 'be'.

Common Mistakes

I am in work on the design right now.
I have the design in work right now.
The subject of 'be' is the project or task, not the person doing it.
The plan is in the work.
The plan is in work.
No article is needed before 'work' in this fixed phrase.

2. engaged in a period of practical training or learning a trade, often as part of

2.phraseB2
Definition

engaged in a period of practical training or learning a trade, often as part of a scheme that combines study with hands-on experience

Example

After finishing school, Gabriela spent two years in work as a trainee chef.

temporal: spent [time] in work as [role]

Ryan is in work at a local garage, learning how to repair diesel engines.

Common collocations
  • in work as a [trainee/apprentice]
  • spend [time] in work
  • find a place in work
  • be in work while studying
Synonyms
  • in training

    more direct and internationally understood; less tied to British employment schemes

  • on a traineeship

    more specific; refers to a formal training programme

  • apprenticed

    specifically for trades that follow the apprenticeship model

Antonyms
  • out of work

    unemployed; opposite condition

  • qualified

    having completed training and gained full professional status

Grammar Patterns

be + in work

Usage Note

This sense is primarily British and often appears in discussions of vocational training or government employment schemes. It is the opposite of 'out of work' (unemployed) but more specifically refers to training-based employment rather than a permanent job.

Common Mistakes

She is in work at the hospital as a doctor.
She is in work at the hospital as a trainee nurse.
This sense applies only to training positions, not established professional roles.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: phrase/1

The three alternatives to 'in work' (sense 1) differ in how active the work sounds. 'Under way' suggests a plan or event that has started and is moving forward — common in news reports ('construction is under way'). 'In progress' is more neutral and widely used across formal and informal contexts, including education ('exams are in progress'). 'Being done' is a looser descriptive phrase rather than a fixed expression and works best in everyday conversation ('the repairs are being done'). 'In work' sits between 'under way' and 'in progress' in formality — it is most natural in workplace and project-management settings.

under way ↗in progress ↗being done

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • be in work
  • have something in work
  • find a place in work
  • spend time in work

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The phrase 'in work' combines the preposition 'in' with the noun 'work', both of which come from Old English ('in' and 'weorc'). The sense of being engaged in a task dates back to medieval usage. The training/employment sense developed in British English during the 20th century as a counterpart to 'out of work'.