Underway vs. Under way
What Is Their Main Difference?
Both forms refer to something being in progress. Underway is commonly used as an adjective, while under way is a two-word adverbial phrase.
Differences
'Underway' is an adjective, while under way is an adverbial phrase. Check out the examples below:
Analysis is still underway, but we have a long way to go.
The meetings are underway.
Similarities
They both indicate that something is in progress or under construction. Look below:
The creation of humanity is under way.
The transformation is underway and will be over in a month.
Are They interchangeable?
Nowadays, the one-word spelling (underway) is more commonly used, especially in American English. In most contexts, they can be used interchangeably, though underway is an adjective and under way is a prepositional phrase acting adverbially. Look at the examples:
✓ Improving customer service is still under way.
✓ Improving customer service is still underway.
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