Underway vs. Under way 

"Underway" vs. "Under way" in English

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:

Example

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:

Example

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:

Example

✓ Improving customer service is still under way.

✓ Improving customer service is still underway.

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