The correct phrase is 'working on a project'
Wrong
“I am working in a project.”
Correct
“I am working on a project.”
In English, we usually use 'on' when we talk about contributing to a task, assignment, project, report, presentation, or problem. A project is something you work on because you are developing it, improving it, managing it, or helping to complete it.
Why Arabic speakers make this mistake
Arabic speakers often translate directly from Arabic, where a phrase like 'أعمل في مشروع' can use 'في', which feels close to 'in'. In English, however, the preposition changes with the action. You work in a company, work in a department, and work in a team, but you work on a project, task, issue, document, or plan.
How to use 'working on a project' in real professional situations
Professional context
“I am working on a project with the finance team.”
Professional context
“Hi Sara, I am working on the project plan and will send it today.”
Professional context
“In my current role, I am working on a transformation project.”
Professional context
“This quarter, I worked on several strategic projects.”
Professional context
“Our team is working on the integration project now.”
Why does this matter in a professional context?
Saying 'working in a project' is understandable, and most people will know what you mean. However, it can sound translated from Arabic rather than natural English. In a meeting, interview, or client update, small preposition mistakes can distract from your message. When you say 'working on a project', you sound more fluent and precise. It signals that you can describe responsibilities, progress, and business work clearly, which is especially important when you are speaking to managers, clients, recruiters, or international colleagues.
Ready-to-use phrases for project updates
“I am currently working on a project to improve our onboarding process.”
Use this when introducing a current project and its purpose.
“Our team is working on the final version of the proposal.”
Use this when talking about a document or deliverable.
“I worked on a similar project in my previous role.”
Use this in interviews when connecting your experience to the role.
“We are working on a solution for the payment issue.”
Use this when giving reassurance about a problem.
“I am working on the project timeline and budget.”
Use this when explaining specific project tasks.
“The team has been working on this project for three months.”
Use this when describing duration or ongoing effort.
A stronger way to say it
Weak version
“”
Strong version
“”
Other phrases to double-check
- •Responsible of or responsible for — /english-mistakes/responsible-of-or-for
- •Discuss about or discuss — /english-mistakes/discuss-about
- •Explain me or explain to me — /english-mistakes/explain-me-or-explain-to-me
- •Reply on the email or reply to the email — /english-mistakes/reply-on-email
- •Interested to or interested in — /english-mistakes/interested-to-or-in