"what the process is" vs "what the process was"

Question

"what the process is" vs "what the process was"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What the process is' is used when referring to the current state or description of a process. 'What the process was' is used when talking about the past state or description of a process.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used to inquire about the current state or description of a process. It is asking for information about how the process is currently functioning or what it involves.

Examples:

Can you explain what the process is for submitting a proposal?
I'm not sure what the process is for requesting time off.
Could you clarify what the process is for onboarding new employees?

Alternatives:

what the process involves
how the process works
what the process entails
what the process requires
what the process consists of

This phrase is used to inquire about the past state or description of a process. It is asking for information about how the process functioned in the past or what it involved at a specific point in time.

Examples:

Can you tell me what the process was for handling customer complaints last year?
I'm curious about what the process was for approving expenses before the new system was implemented.
Do you remember what the process was for ordering supplies at our old office?

Alternatives:

what the process used to be
how the process functioned
what the process entailed in the past
what the process involved previously
what the process consisted of before

Answer 1

what the process is

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the current state or description of a process.

Answer 2

what the process was

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the past state or description of a process.

"what the process is" vs "what the process was"

what the process is

what the process was

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