Getting sidetracked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Getting sidetracked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being distracted or diverted from their original task or topic of discussion. Example: "I started working on my report, but I ended up getting sidetracked by social media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Acknowledge their feelings without getting sidetracked.

Harvard Business Review

I kept getting sidetracked by celebrity memoirs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This helps teams see the big picture and avoid getting sidetracked by its details.

Harvard Business Review

You need to think about the wider benefits of your idea without getting sidetracked.

The Guardian

But then I thought it was fine for Dukakis to keep from getting sidetracked by Shaw's melodramatic hypothetical.

The New York Times

It means responding productively to political opposition — maybe even bad-faith backstabbing — without getting sidetracked, distracted, or losing your focus.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

But he got sidetracked.

The Guardian - Tech

"But I got sidetracked.

The Guardian

Especially if you get sidetracked.

The New York Times

Don't get sidetracked.(Photo credit: AFP).

The Economist

"That is where people get sidetracked.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid "getting sidetracked" during important tasks, create a detailed plan with clear objectives and stick to it. This helps maintain focus and minimizes the chances of being diverted by less important matters.

Common error

While "getting sidetracked" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "deviating from the objective" or "losing focus" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting sidetracked" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of being diverted or distracted from a particular task, topic, or goal. As Ludwig AI suggests, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting sidetracked" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of being diverted or distracted from an intended task or topic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While primarily found in news and media, it also appears in more informal contexts like wikis. To maintain formality in professional writing, it's advisable to consider alternatives such as "deviating from the objective" or "losing focus". Overall, understanding the contexts and potential alternatives ensures effective and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Becoming distracted

Focuses on the act of losing concentration, emphasizing the internal state of mind.

Losing focus

Highlights the loss of attention on the intended subject, emphasizing the lack of concentration.

Being diverted

Emphasizes the external influence causing the change in direction or attention.

Wandering off-topic

Specifically refers to straying from the current subject of discussion.

Going off on a tangent

Suggests a sudden and often unrelated departure from the main point.

Straying from the point

Highlights a deviation from the main argument or objective.

Digressing

Implies a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.

Getting off track

Indicates a deviation from the intended course or plan.

Losing the thread

Highlights the inability to follow or maintain the main idea in a conversation or process.

Being derailed

Suggests a sudden and disruptive interruption that prevents progress.

FAQs

How can I use "getting sidetracked" in a sentence?

You can use "getting sidetracked" to describe someone losing focus or being distracted from their original task. For example, "I was writing an email, but I ended up "getting sidetracked" by social media."

What's a more formal alternative to "getting sidetracked"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "deviating from the objective", "losing focus", or "digressing". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

What does it mean to "get sidetracked"?

"Getting sidetracked" means to be diverted from the original plan, intention, or topic. It implies a loss of focus and a shift in attention to something less important or unrelated.

How to avoid "getting sidetracked" during work?

To avoid "getting sidetracked", try techniques like setting specific goals, minimizing distractions, and taking short breaks to maintain focus. You can also use tools to block distracting websites and apps during work hours.