underway
underway — 形容詞
1. if an activity, event, or process is underway, it has already started and is con
進行中
活動已開始且持續進行
if an activity, event, or process is underway, it has already started and is continuing to happen
The construction of the new community centre is already well underway.
新社區中心的建設已經在順利進行中。
be + well underway for emphasis
By the time Yumi reached the office, the weekly team meeting was already underway.
Yumi 到達辦公室時，每週的團隊會議已經在進行了。
be + already underway
A full investigation into the data breach is currently underway at the hospital.
醫院目前正在對資料外洩事件展開全面調查。
Ari called to say he would arrive late because the board meeting was already underway.
Ari 打電話來說他會晚到，因為董事會已經在進行了。
- in progress
the most direct equivalent; slightly more formal
- going on
informal alternative, common in spoken English
- occurring
more neutral and detached, often used in formal reports
文法句型
be + underway
用法筆記
Predicative only — this sense never appears before a noun. You cannot say 'an underway project'; instead say 'a project that is underway.'
常見錯誤
2. having started or been put into motion — describes an event, project, or activit
已展開
活動或事件最近開始啟動
having started or been put into motion — describes an event, project, or activity that has recently begun to happen
Preparations for the annual food festival got underway earlier this month.
年度美食節的籌備工作已於本月稍早展開。
get + underway for starting
The trial got underway promptly at nine with the judge's opening remarks.
審判在九點準時開始，法官首先發表了開庭陳述。
Once the training session gets underway, all participants must switch off their phones.
訓練課程一開始，所有參與者都必須關閉手機。
Constanza's archaeological dig got underway in early spring with twelve researchers.
Constanza 的考古挖掘工作於初春展開，共有十二位研究人員參與。
文法句型
get + underway
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (CURRENTLY ACTIVE): sense 2 focuses on the moment of starting, while sense 1 emphasises the ongoing state. Sense 2 typically pairs with 'get' rather than 'be.'
常見錯誤
underway — 副詞
1. moving freely through water, not tied to a dock and not resting on the sea floor
航行中
船隻行進，未停泊或擱淺
moving freely through water, not tied to a dock and not resting on the sea floor — used of ships, boats, and other water vessels
The cargo ship was finally underway after a three-day delay at the port of Kaohsiung.
這艘貨船在高雄港延誤了三天之後，終於啟航了。
nautical meaning: ship in motion
With the anchor raised and the engines running, the fishing boat slowly got underway.
收起船錨並啟動引擎後，漁船緩緩駛出。
Before the vessel got underway, the captain ordered all crew to their stations.
船隻啟航前，船長命令所有船員就位。
A thick fog delayed the ferry, but it was safely underway by midday.
濃霧耽誤了渡輪，不過中午前它已安全啟航。
- under sail
specifically for sailing vessels; narrower scope
- afloat
means floating on water, not necessarily moving
文法句型
be/get + underway
用法筆記
This is the original nautical sense from which all other meanings of 'underway' developed. In formal maritime communication, the two-word form 'under way' is still preferred by some style guides.
2. starting to move or operate after being at rest or in a stationary position — us
起步
從靜止狀態開始移動
starting to move or operate after being at rest or in a stationary position — used for vehicles, machines, or any physical object beginning motion
Emre pushed the bicycle forward and it slowly got underway on the gravel path.
Emre 推了一下腳踏車，車子在碎石路上緩緩起步。
physical movement from standstill
The old truck's engine coughed twice before the vehicle finally got underway.
老卡車的引擎咳了兩聲，最後終於開動了。
After the traffic light turned green, the line of cars got smoothly underway again.
綠燈一亮，車隊便重新順暢地啟動前進。
Sven released the handbrake and the old jeep slowly got underway on the muddy track.
Sven 鬆開了手煞車，老吉普車在泥濘的小路上緩緩起步。
- stationary
not moving at all
- stopped
more informal; having ceased motion
文法句型
get + underway
用法筆記
This sense applies to physical movement of vehicles and objects, not abstract events. Distinguish from sense 1 (SHIP IN MOTION) which is restricted to water vessels, and from sense 3 (HAPPENING NOW) which describes abstract activities.
3. in progress at this moment — used especially after 'get' to describe an activity
正在進行中
活動已在進行且尚未結束
in progress at this moment — used especially after 'get' to describe an activity that has started and continues, rather than one still being planned
The concert was barely underway when the fire alarm interrupted the first song.
音樂會才剛開始不久，火災警報就打斷了第一首歌。
With the renovation now fully underway, the Wong family moved into a temporary apartment.
翻修工程全面展開後，Wong 一家搬進了一間臨時公寓。
fully underway for thorough ongoing activity
Talia checked her notes one last time before the lecture got fully underway.
Talia 在演講正式開始前，最後一次檢查了自己的筆記。
The rescue operation was barely underway when the first helicopter lifted off.
救援行動才剛展開，第一架直升機就起飛了。
- in progress
the closest neutral equivalent; works in same sentence positions
- going on
informal, common in conversation
- finished
the activity is complete
- not started
the activity has not yet begun
文法句型
be/get + underway
用法筆記
Overlaps in meaning with adjective sense 1 (CURRENTLY ACTIVE). The distinction is grammatical: the adjective sense is predicative (The project is underway), while this adverb sense appears after 'get' or in other adverbial positions (The project got underway at noon).