Struggling to find just the right words to express “not started”? Whether you’re working on a project report, updating your task tracker, or drafting a formal email, varying your language can make a big difference in how your message is received. Choosing the right phrase adds clarity, avoids repetition, and enhances your professional tone.
In this article, we’ll explore a wide range of creative and professional alternatives to “not started” that fit different contexts. From concise business terms to casual everyday phrases, we’ve got you covered. Ready to level up your communication game? Let’s dive in and find the perfect phrase for your needs!
Top List Of Other Ways to Say “Not Started”
- Yet to Begin
- Pending Initiation
- In the Queue
- On Hold
- Not Yet Commenced
- Waiting to Be Started
- At a Standstill
- Not Yet in Progress
- Yet to Be Addressed
- On the Backburner
- Unstarted
- Not Yet Begun
- Still Pending
- Awaiting Action
- To Be Started Soon
- Yet to Be Launched
- Not on the Agenda Yet
- Unaddressed
- In the Pipeline
- Not Yet Assigned
- Yet to Be Started Upon
- Delayed in Start
- Not Currently Active
- Under Review Before Start
- In Planning
1. “Yet to Begin”
This phrase emphasizes that the task or project is still waiting to be initiated.
Example: Subject: Project Update
Hi Leo,
Just to keep you in the loop, the task of the marketing strategy is yet to begin. We will notify you once it is underway.
Best, Henry
2. “Pending Initiation”
“Pending initiation” gives a slightly more formal tone, implying that the start of the task is awaiting something (perhaps approval or other dependencies).
Example: Subject: Status of the Report
Dear Leo,
The report is pending initiation due to some awaiting information from the client. I will start working on it as soon as we receive the necessary details.
Kind regards, Henry
3. “In the Queue”
This phrase indicates that the task is lined up but hasn’t yet been worked on.
Example: Subject: Upcoming Tasks
Hello Leo,
I just wanted to update you that the new project is in the queue and will be addressed shortly after I complete the current one.
Cheers, Henry
4. “On Hold”
This expression suggests that the task is temporarily paused or delayed.
Example: Subject: Delay in Task Progress
Hi Leo,
Unfortunately, the development task is on hold due to some unresolved technical issues. I will follow up once it’s ready to continue.
Best regards, Henry
5. “Not Yet Commenced”
A formal way of saying the task has not been started.
Example: Subject: Update on Project XYZ
Dear Leo,
The task has not yet commenced, but we anticipate starting it next week after finalizing the current priorities.
Best, Henry
6. “Waiting to Be Started”
This phrase conveys that the task is simply waiting for someone to begin it.
Example: Subject: Upcoming Work
Hello Leo,
The client feedback project is waiting to be started after we finish the final review of the last task.
Best wishes, Henry
7. “At a Standstill”
This indicates that no progress has been made, and nothing is currently happening.
Example: Subject: Task Status
Hi Leo,
Unfortunately, the project is at a standstill because of pending approvals from upper management.
Best, Henry
8. “Not Yet in Progress”
This phrase is similar to “not started” but sounds a bit more polished.
Example: Subject: Task Update
Dear Leo,
The task is not yet in progress, but we expect to start it once we have completed the current assignments.
Regards, Henry
9. “Yet to Be Addressed”
This term is often used in contexts where the task needs to be dealt with but hasn’t been touched yet.
Example: Subject: Open Items
Hi Leo,
The issue is yet to be addressed. We’re waiting for the green light from the product team before proceeding.
Best, Henry
10. “On the Backburner”
This is often used when a task is a low priority but still intended to be completed at some point.
Example: Subject: Project Scheduling
Hello Leo,
The website redesign is on the back burner for now, but we plan to start working on it in the next month.
Best regards, Henry
11. “Unstarted”
A direct and slightly more concise way of saying something has not been initiated.
Example: Subject: Project Progress
Hi Leo,
Just a quick note to inform you that the task is currently unstarted, and we will begin it as soon as possible.
Best, Henry
12. “Not Yet Begun”
This is another common phrase to express that work on something hasn’t started.
Example: Subject: Task Update
Hi Leo,
The updates for the customer database have not yet begun, but I’m planning to start once the current tasks are completed.
Best, Henry
13. “Still Pending”
This phrase works well in formal communication when you’re referring to tasks awaiting attention.
Example: Subject: Pending Tasks
Dear Leo,
The design mockups are still pending, and I’ll keep you updated on their progress once they begin.
Regards, Henry
14. “Awaiting Action”
This term signifies that a task is waiting for someone to take action on it.
Example: Subject: Follow-up on Task
Hi Leo,
The review process is awaiting action from the legal team. Once we get their approval, we can proceed.
Best, Henry
15. “To Be Started Soon”
This suggests that the task will be initiated shortly.
Example: Subject: Project Timeline
Hi Leo,
The financial analysis task is to be started soon. We are finalizing the last few tasks before jumping into it.
Best, Henry
16. “Yet to Be Launched”
Commonly used for projects or tasks that require an official launch or kick-off.
Example: Subject: New Project Kick-off
Hello Leo,
The new website project is yet to be launched, but we will commence work after the onboarding call next week.
Cheers, Henry
17. “Not on the Agenda Yet”
This expression implies that the task is not on the plan or list of things to do at the moment.
Example: Subject: Task Scheduling
Hi Leo,
The quarterly review task is not on the agenda yet, but I’ll let you know when it becomes a priority.
Best, Henry
18. “Unaddressed”
This term is often used when something has not been looked at or tackled yet.
Example: Subject: Task Delays
Dear Leo,
The client’s request is unaddressed at the moment, but I will focus on it as soon as I finish the current task.
Kind regards, Henry
19. “In the Pipeline”
When something is scheduled to happen, but has yet to start, it’s often referred to as “in the pipeline.”
Example: Subject: Upcoming Tasks
Hello Leo,
The new proposal is in the pipeline, and we plan to kick off the drafting phase next week.
Best, Henry
20. “Not Yet Assigned”
This is useful when a task hasn’t been assigned to anyone yet, but it’s expected to be soon.
Example: Subject: Task Assignment
Hi Leo,
The social media strategy task is not yet assigned, but we’ll allocate it once we finalize the team structure.
Best, Henry
21. “Yet to Be Started Upon”
A formal variation that emphasizes that no progress has been made yet.
Example: Subject: Review Process
Hi Leo,
The review process for the latest product launch is yet to be started, but we’re preparing the necessary documents for next week.
Best regards, Henry
22. “Delayed in Start”
When a task has been planned but delayed from initiation, this phrase is appropriate.
Example: Subject: Project Delays
Dear Leo,
The launch of the product is delayed in start due to unforeseen logistical issues. I will update you as soon as we get the revised timeline.
Kind regards, Henry
23. “Not Currently Active”
This term suggests that the task isn’t in motion at the present moment.
Example: Subject: Status Update
Hello Leo,
The task is not currently active, but we expect to start once the team finishes the ongoing project.
Best, Henry
24. “Under Review Before Start”
This means the task is being reviewed or analyzed before being officially started.
Example: Subject: Review Process
Hi Leo,
The proposed changes to the website are under review before the start, and I expect the team to begin implementation after approval.
Regards, Henry
25. “In Planning”
This phrase indicates that the task is in the planning phase but hasn’t yet been initiated.
Example: Subject: New Task Planning
Dear Leo,
The new marketing campaign is in planning and will be launched as soon as the details are finalized.
Best, Henry
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there are many ways to express that a task or project hasn’t been started. From “yet to begin” to “in planning,” each phrase carries its nuance and level of formality. By using these alternatives, you can make your communication more varied and dynamic, enhancing clarity and professionalism in your emails and reports. So, whether you’re managing tasks, working on projects, or sending updates to your colleagues, consider these alternatives to convey a fresh perspective on your progress.
