Run off track

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Run off track" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something deviates from its intended course or plan. Example: "During the meeting, the discussion ran off track, leading to confusion about the main objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The sentence is hard to read and seems to run off track; deleting the first "almost" would be one possible fix.

The New York Times

While the Standard Catalogs are not flawless — the introduction sections for each brand sometimes run off track — they are generally trustworthy.

The New York Times

"Unless we see this invigoration, I think the program will run off track," he said, in one of the strongest warnings to Greece since it sealed the rescue one year ago.

The New York Times

‘Zhao's run off track.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This convoluted sentence runs off track; the dashes are misplaced.

The New York Times

Just about now, though, the conversation runs off track.

The New York Times

This overstuffed sentence ran off track and ended up not a sentence at all.

The New York Times

A few important notes failed to register in the Prelude of the First Suite, and a phrase ran off track in the Menuet.

The New York Times - Arts

Rosberg also made a mistake on his first run, running off track at Turn Two.

BBC

Red Bull's day was ruined when new driver Daniil Kvyat ran off track early on and damaged the car's front-wing mounting pillars.

BBC

Hamilton felt Rosberg had deliberately scuppered his hopes of taking pole in Monaco last year by running off track, causing yellow caution flags that meant Hamilton had to back off.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Run off track" in writing, ensure the context is clear. It is most effective when describing a situation that has a defined starting point or intended direction.

Common error

Avoid using "Run off track" in contexts where there isn't an established 'track' or plan. The phrase loses its impact when applied to vague or unstructured situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Run off track" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. It describes a deviation from an intended course, plan, or topic. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is used when something doesn't go as planned.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic expression "Run off track" describes situations where something deviates from its intended course or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but suggests it's relatively rare. It's most commonly found in news and media, with neutral formality. If you're looking for alternatives, consider options like "go off course" or "get sidetracked", tailoring your choice to the specific context. Be mindful of overuse in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Go off course

Similar to "run off track" but can apply more broadly to journeys or projects.

Deviate from the plan

Directly indicates a departure from the established plan.

Get derailed

Similar to "run off track" and often used metaphorically for projects or discussions.

Get sidetracked

Focuses on being diverted from the main point or activity.

Go off on a tangent

Indicates a sudden and often unrelated shift in topic.

Wander off topic

Emphasizes the casual and unintentional nature of deviating from the subject.

Go astray

Implies wandering from the correct path, morally or figuratively.

Stray from the point

Highlights a shift away from the central topic of a conversation.

Digress

A more formal term for moving away from the main subject in speech or writing.

Lose focus

Refers to the inability to concentrate on the intended subject.

FAQs

How can I use "Run off track" in a sentence?

You can use "Run off track" to describe when a discussion, plan, or even a person's thoughts deviate from the intended path. For example, "The project ran off track due to unforeseen circumstances."

What does it mean when something "Runs off track"?

When something "Runs off track", it means it has deviated from its intended course or plan, often implying a negative consequence or loss of focus.

What are some alternatives to saying something "Ran off track"?

You can use alternatives like "deviate from the plan", "go off course", or "get sidetracked" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "Run off track" in formal writing?

While "Run off track" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "deviate from the intended path" or "experience unforeseen setbacks".