When it comes to describing the status of a task or project, the words “pending” and “ongoing” are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that are important to understand in order to communicate effectively in a professional setting.
It’s important to note that both “pending” and “ongoing” can be the proper word depending on the context in which they are used. That being said, “pending” generally refers to something that is awaiting a decision or action, while “ongoing” refers to something that is currently in progress.
When a task or project is “pending,” it means that it has not yet been completed or resolved and is waiting for further action. This could mean waiting for approval, waiting for additional information, or simply waiting for the next step in the process to be initiated.
On the other hand, when something is “ongoing,” it means that it is currently in progress and has not yet been completed. This could refer to a long-term project, a task that requires multiple steps over time, or simply something that is being actively worked on at the moment.
Understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial in effectively communicating the status of a task or project to others. By using the correct terminology, you can ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and that there is no confusion or miscommunication.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the nuances of these two terms in more detail and provide examples of when each should be used.
Define Pending
Pending refers to something that is awaiting a decision or a resolution. It is a state of being unfinished or incomplete, with the outcome yet to be determined. In legal terms, pending refers to a case or a matter that is awaiting a decision by a court or a judge, and has not yet been resolved.
For example, if a person files a lawsuit against another person, the case will be considered pending until a decision is made by the court. Similarly, if an application for a job or a loan is submitted, it will be considered pending until a decision is made by the employer or the lender.
Define Ongoing
Ongoing refers to something that is in progress or continuing. It is a state of being active or current, with no definite end in sight. In business terms, ongoing refers to a project or a task that is still being worked on, and has not yet been completed.
For example, if a company is working on a new product, the project will be considered ongoing until the product is ready for launch. Similarly, if a person is taking a course or a training program, it will be considered ongoing until the person completes the program.
It is important to note that ongoing does not necessarily mean that the project or task has no end in sight. It simply means that the end is not yet determined, and that the project or task is still actively being worked on.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct word in a sentence can make a significant difference in how it is perceived by the reader. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “pending” and “ongoing” in a sentence.
How To Use “Pending” In A Sentence
The word “pending” is often used to describe something that is waiting for a decision or resolution. Here are some examples of how to use “pending” in a sentence:
- The outcome of the court case is pending.
- My job offer is pending until I pass the background check.
- The approval of the loan is pending the completion of the paperwork.
It is important to note that “pending” is often followed by a preposition, such as “until,” “on,” or “of.”
How To Use “Ongoing” In A Sentence
The word “ongoing” is often used to describe something that is continuing or in progress. Here are some examples of how to use “ongoing” in a sentence:
- The company has an ongoing project to improve customer service.
- She is receiving ongoing treatment for her medical condition.
- The investigation into the fraud is ongoing.
“Ongoing” can also be used as an adjective or adverb to describe something that is continuing without interruption.
| Part of Speech | Example |
|---|---|
| Adjective | The ongoing drought is causing problems for farmers. |
| Adverb | The construction work will continue ongoing until next month. |
When using “ongoing,” it is important to make sure that the context of the sentence makes it clear that something is continuing or in progress.
More Examples Of Pending & Ongoing Used In Sentences
In order to have a better understanding of how to use “pending” and “ongoing” in a sentence, it’s important to look at some examples. Below are some examples of how to use “pending” and “ongoing” in a sentence.
Examples Of Using “Pending” In A Sentence
- The project is currently pending approval from the board of directors.
- The lawsuit is still pending in the court system.
- I am waiting for a response to my pending job application.
- The shipment is pending until the payment is received.
- The final decision is pending further review.
- His promotion is pending completion of the training program.
- The investigation is pending additional information.
- The final report is pending completion of the analysis.
- The deal is pending the outcome of the negotiations.
- The resolution is pending approval from the committee.
Examples Of Using “Ongoing” In A Sentence
- The company has an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
- The project has been ongoing for several months.
- The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
- The team has ongoing training to improve their skills.
- The company has an ongoing partnership with several local charities.
- The conflict in the region has been ongoing for years.
- The company has ongoing efforts to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
- The research is ongoing and new discoveries are being made.
- The program has ongoing support from the community.
- The discussion is ongoing and no decision has been made yet.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms pending and ongoing, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to be aware of them and avoid them whenever possible.
Using Pending And Ongoing Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using pending and ongoing interchangeably. While these terms may seem similar, they actually have distinct meanings that should not be confused.
| Pending | Ongoing |
|---|---|
| Something that is waiting to be completed or resolved | Something that is currently in progress and continuing |
For example, if a project is pending, it means that it has not yet been completed or resolved. On the other hand, if a project is ongoing, it means that it is currently in progress and continuing.
Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. For instance, if someone says that a project is pending when it is actually ongoing, it can create the impression that the project is not moving forward when it actually is.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be clear about the meanings of pending and ongoing, and to use them appropriately in the right contexts. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes:
- Take the time to understand the distinct meanings of pending and ongoing
- Use pending when referring to something that is waiting to be completed or resolved
- Use ongoing when referring to something that is currently in progress and continuing
- Be mindful of the context in which you are using these terms and ensure that they are being used appropriately
By following these tips, you can avoid the common mistakes that people make when using pending and ongoing interchangeably, and ensure that you are communicating clearly and effectively.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “pending” and “ongoing,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words indicate that something is not yet completed, but the subtle differences in their meanings can impact how they are perceived in different situations.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “pending” and “ongoing” might change:
| Context | Choice between “Pending” and “Ongoing” |
|---|---|
| Legal Proceedings | “Pending” is often used in legal proceedings to indicate that a case or trial is still ongoing and has not yet been resolved. In this context, “ongoing” might be seen as less formal and not as appropriate. |
| Project Management | When managing a project, “ongoing” might be used to indicate that work is currently in progress and will continue until completion. “Pending” might be used to indicate that a task or milestone is waiting for approval or further action before it can proceed. |
| Customer Service | In customer service, “pending” might be used to indicate that a request or issue has been received and is being reviewed or worked on. “Ongoing” might be used to indicate that a problem is still persisting and has not yet been fully resolved. |
As you can see, the choice between “pending” and “ongoing” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the tone and formality of the situation, as well as the specific meaning that each word conveys, in order to choose the most appropriate option.
Exceptions To The Rules
While pending and ongoing are generally used in specific situations, there are some exceptions to the rules. In certain cases, these words might not apply, and it is important to identify these exceptions to avoid any confusion.
Exceptions For Pending
One exception to using pending is when it is used to describe a state of inactivity or suspension. For instance, if a project is put on hold, it can be described as pending, even though work has not yet started. Another exception is when pending is used as a legal term, such as in a pending lawsuit or a pending trial.
Examples:
- The project is currently pending until further notice.
- The outcome of the pending lawsuit will determine the company’s future.
Exceptions For Ongoing
Similarly, there are exceptions to using ongoing. One exception is when ongoing is used to describe something that is continuous but not necessarily permanent. For example, ongoing training or ongoing support can refer to a program that is designed to continue for a certain period of time, even though it is not expected to last indefinitely.
Another exception is when ongoing is used to describe something that is in progress but not yet complete. In this case, ongoing can be used interchangeably with the word “unfinished.”
Examples:
- The company offers ongoing training to all employees.
- The construction of the building is ongoing and is expected to be completed next year.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of pending and ongoing in sentences takes practice. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word (pending or ongoing) to complete each sentence.
| 1. | The investigation into the accident is __________. | Answer: ongoing |
| 2. | The decision on the new project is __________. | Answer: pending |
| 3. | The construction of the new building is __________. | Answer: ongoing |
| 4. | The approval of the budget is __________. | Answer: pending |
| 5. | The negotiations with the union are __________. | Answer: ongoing |
Exercise 2: Write Your Own Sentences
Write five sentences using pending and ongoing correctly. Then, exchange your sentences with a partner and see if they can correctly identify which word should be used in each sentence.
Answer Key
1. ongoing
2. pending
3. ongoing
4. pending
5. ongoing
Remember, pending means “awaiting a decision” or “not yet decided,” while ongoing means “continuing” or “in progress.” With practice, you’ll be able to use these words correctly and confidently in your writing.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between pending and ongoing, it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings in the context of grammar and language use. While pending refers to something that is awaiting a decision or resolution, ongoing refers to something that is continuing or in progress.
It is important to understand the nuances of these terms in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. When writing or speaking, it is crucial to use the appropriate term to accurately convey the intended meaning.
Key Takeaways
- Pending refers to something that is awaiting a decision or resolution
- Ongoing refers to something that is continuing or in progress
- Using the appropriate term is crucial for effective communication
By keeping these key takeaways in mind, readers can improve their grammar and language use and avoid common mistakes. However, there is always more to learn and explore in the world of language, and readers are encouraged to continue their education and expand their knowledge.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.