Master confusing words with ease
Underway vs. Under way
Underway
/ˌʌndəˈweɪ/Examples:
The renovation project is finally underway.With the meeting underway, decisions were being made.The research expedition got underway at dawn.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Under way
/ˌʌndər ˈweɪ/Examples:
The project is finally under way after many delays.The ship set sail and was under way by dawn.With the renovations under way, the museum will reopen soon.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Under way is a two-word expression that usually works as either an adverb or an adjective and tends to refer to something in motion.
- Underway is one word and is often used as an adjective, synonymous with in progress.
- Remember that if you can replace the term with in progress and the sentence still makes sense, underway is the better choice.
- In nautical contexts or when referring to actual movement, under way might be the preferred choice to describe a vessel that is not anchored or moored.
- The one-word version underway is becoming more common when referring to activities or actions that have started.
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