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Mr. Tom Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Use of under way

Hi

Are these sentences natural English?

The process is underway. You will have to wait for about two weeks.

Your application has been submitted and it is underway.

Thanks,

Tom

  

Top answer

There is very little that is natural about English. Still, this usage would be considered correct. The term 'underway' was originally nautical and meant that a ship had begun but had not yet finished its planned voyage.

  • There is very little that is natural about English.
  • Still, this usage would be considered correct.
  • The term 'underway' was originally nautical and meant that a ship had begun but had not yet finished its planned voyage.
  • It was co-opted for usage outside of the nautical realm, but is still (in my opinion) best suited for journeys.
  • If the three sentences above were all provided in a single message, the usage is clumsy.
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1 Answers
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There is very little that is natural about English. Still, this usage would be considered correct. The term 'underway' was originally nautical and meant that a ship had begun but had not yet finished its planned voyage. It was co-opted for usage outside of the nautical realm, but is still (in my opinion) best suited for journeys.

If the three sentences above were all provided in a single

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