How to use Idiom "In the pipeline" in English? Examples and tips from Grammar Experts
"In the pipeline" means something that is under development or being processed. Imagine something moving through a pipeline toward completion—that’s the essence of this idiom.
Prehistory of the Idiom
The phrase "in the pipeline" originates from the mid-20th century, often used in industrial and business contexts to describe products or projects moving through various stages of development. It signifies that something is actively being worked on and is expected to be completed or released in the future.
Short Advice
Use this idiom to describe projects, ideas, or tasks that are currently being developed or processed. It emphasizes that the work is ongoing and not yet completed.
Examples of Using "In the pipeline" in Sentences:
"The new software update is in the pipeline and will be released soon." - The software update is currently being developed.
"We have several exciting projects in the pipeline for next year." - Several projects are under development for next year.
"The proposal is in the pipeline and should be approved by next month." - The proposal is being processed and is expected to be approved soon.
"They have new products in the pipeline that will revolutionize the industry." - New products are under development.
"The marketing team has a campaign in the pipeline for the holiday season." - The marketing campaign is being developed for the holiday season.
"Several reforms are in the pipeline to improve the education system." - Reforms are currently being developed.
"The documentary series is in the pipeline and will air next spring." - The documentary series is being produced.
"We have a new feature in the pipeline that users will love." - A new feature is under development.
"There are many exciting events in the pipeline for the community." - Events are being planned for the community.
"The report is in the pipeline and will be ready by the end of the week." - The report is being prepared.
"Several changes are in the pipeline to enhance customer service." - Changes are being developed to improve customer service.
"We have a collaboration in the pipeline with a major tech company." - A collaboration is being developed with a major tech company.
"The book is in the pipeline and will be published next year." - The book is being written and will be published next year.
"A new training program is in the pipeline for employees." - A training program is being developed for employees.
"The new restaurant has exciting menu items in the pipeline." - New menu items are being developed for the restaurant.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the idiom "in the pipeline."
"The new product launch is __________ and expected to hit the market next quarter."
"They have a major announcement __________ that will surprise everyone."
"The research project is __________ and will be completed by the end of the year."
"Several new features are __________ for the next software update."
"The construction of the new building is __________ and will start soon."
Exercise 2: Sentence Creation
Create your own sentences using the idiom "in the pipeline" to describe the following situations:
A movie studio working on several new films:
Example: "The studio has several blockbuster movies __________ for next summer."
A tech company developing new gadgets:
Example: "The tech company has innovative gadgets __________ that will change the market."
A publisher preparing to release new books:
Example: "The publisher has exciting new books __________ to be released next spring."
A school planning new educational programs:
Example: "The school has new educational programs __________ for the next academic year."
A city council implementing new policies:
Example: "The city council has new policies __________ to improve public transportation."
Exercise 3: Scenario Analysis
Read the scenarios below and explain how "in the pipeline" would be a suitable description.
Scenario: A pharmaceutical company is testing a new drug that is expected to be approved next year.
Explanation: "The new drug is __________ and is expected to be approved next year."
Scenario: An online retailer is setting up a new distribution center that will start operating soon.
Explanation: "The new distribution center is __________ and will start operating soon."
Scenario: An entertainment company is planning a series of live events for the upcoming season.
Explanation: "A series of live events is __________ for the upcoming season."
Scenario: A startup is developing a unique app that will launch later this year.
Explanation: "A unique app is __________ and will launch later this year."
Scenario: A government is drafting new legislation to address climate change.
Explanation: "New legislation is __________ to address climate change."
Exercise 4: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences to include the idiom "in the pipeline."
"The company is developing several new projects."
"Several new projects are in the pipeline."
"The school is planning to introduce new courses next semester."
"New courses are in the pipeline for next semester."
"The team is preparing a new strategy for the upcoming season."
"A new strategy is in the pipeline for the upcoming season."
"The scientist is working on a groundbreaking experiment."
"A groundbreaking experiment is in the pipeline."
"The organization is implementing new policies to improve efficiency."
"New policies are in the pipeline to improve efficiency."
Exercise 5: Reflection
Reflect on a time when you or someone you know had something "in the pipeline." Write a short paragraph describing the situation and what was being developed or planned.
"One time when I had something __________ was when I was __________. Initially, it was just an idea, but as it progressed, it became clear that it was __________. This development took several months, but finally, it was ready to __________."