ongoings
C1Informal, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
events, activities, or proceedings that are currently happening or unfolding.
A term, often used in informal or journalistic contexts, referring to the continuous series of events, developments, or actions within a particular situation, especially when implying complexity, intrigue, or behind-the-scenes activity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in the plural form. Often carries a nuance of continuous, unfolding events, sometimes with an element of secrecy, drama, or complexity. It can imply that the full scope of events is not entirely public or straightforward.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, but slightly more common in British journalistic and informal contexts. In American English, alternatives like 'goings-on' or 'proceedings' might be slightly preferred in some registers.
Connotations
In both, it can suggest intrigue or complex unfolding events. In UK usage, it might be found more often in tabloid headlines or casual conversation about local events.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal writing for both, but appears in news media and informal speech. The term is understood but not dominant in either dialect.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Keep up with the ongoingsBe aware of the ongoingsThe ongoings at [place]Report on the ongoingsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; often part of phrases like 'the strange ongoings at...'”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informally used to refer to the day-to-day activities or behind-the-scenes developments in a company or department.
Academic
Rarely used in formal academic writing; may appear in informal discussions about departmental or research activities.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation to talk about local events, neighbourhood gossip, or family activities.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields; too vague for precise terminology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I'm not sure about all the ongoings in our neighbourhood lately.
- The children were curious about the ongoings in the garden next door.
- The documentary aimed to shed light on the mysterious ongoings within the organisation.
- She tried to keep up with the political ongoings by reading the news daily.
- The journalist's report provided a detailed account of the clandestine ongoings at the embassy.
- Amidst the corporate restructuring, the true ongoings were known only to the executive board.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ON' + 'GOINGS' = things that are ON and GOING (happening).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EVENTS AS A CONTINUOUS STREAM or DRAMA.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the adjective 'ongoing' (текущий). It is a separate plural noun.
- Avoid direct translation as 'продолжения'. Better translated as 'происшествия', 'события', 'дела' depending on context.
- The plural '-s' is essential; there is no singular 'ongoing' used in this nominal sense.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'an ongoing').
- Confusing it with the adjective 'ongoing' in structure (e.g., 'the ongoing project' is correct, 'the ongoings project' is not).
- Overusing in formal contexts where 'events' or 'proceedings' would be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'ongoings' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is recognized in dictionaries as an informal noun, primarily used in the plural. It is not used in very formal writing.
They are very close synonyms. 'Goings-on' is slightly more established and idiomatic, while 'ongoings' feels more modern and is directly derived from the adjective 'ongoing'. Their meanings and usage overlap significantly.
No. The adjective 'ongoing' cannot be used as a countable noun. You cannot say 'an ongoing' to mean an event. The plural noun 'ongoings' is a separate lexical item.
It is understood but less common than in British English. Americans might more frequently use 'goings-on', 'proceedings', or simply 'events'.