keep on task

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep on task' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase when you want to remind someone (or yourself) to stay focused on a particular task. For example, you could say "Let's all keep on task so we can finish this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But after managing to successfully complete a number of long distances races without the technology in the past, I could do with a bit of self-imposed peer pressure to keep on task.

The New York Times - Sports

Hold meetings to keep on task.

WikiHow

"It is a proof that you can handle academic stuff and that you can keep on task for quite a while," Dr. Peter Richter, a correspondent in New York for the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, said in an e-mail.

The New York Times

Calm down and learn the subject guys, and do try to keep on task -- discussing matters that are actually germane to the fiscal cliff while we are having to talk about it every single day.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was surrounded by an amazing team who still hit their goals and kept on task, but I also had to see some of them walk away, even if I desperately wanted them to stay.

TechCrunch

One, the leader of the Fukushima task force, was so senior that he was supposed to have retired in March but was kept on for this task.

The New York Times

The only thing you can do right now is keep everybody moving forward, keep everybody on task".

The New York Times - Sports

What's more, the startup has attracted over 3.5 million teachers and students in more than 30 countries by giving teachers a fun, easy way to manage their classrooms and keep students on-task.

TechCrunch

It can save time and help keep you on task so you don't forget a major item, and then have to go back again.

WikiHow

You might not need a trainer every time you work out but it helps to have one there regularly to keep you on task.

Huffington Post

"They keep us on task," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use visual aids or checklists to reinforce focus and ensure you "keep on task" during complex projects.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on task" in contexts where specific actions are needed. Instead of saying "We need to keep on task", specify the task or action needed to maintain focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on task" functions as a directive or reminder, encouraging sustained attention and effort towards a specific goal. Ludwig AI's examples show its use in various contexts, from managing projects to maintaining focus during academic work.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep on task" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that encourages sustained focus and effort toward a specific objective. According to Ludwig AI, its applications span diverse contexts like News & Media, Wiki and Science. Ludwig’s analysis highlights its neutral register and its effectiveness as a directive to maintain concentration and productivity. When writing, consider using visual aids to enhance focus. Be careful to avoid overgeneralization, ensuring the task at hand is clearly defined when prompting others to "keep on task".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay focused

Focuses on maintaining concentration, emphasizing the mental aspect of staying "on task".

remain on target

Emphasizes achieving a specific goal, similar to staying "on task" but with a stronger emphasis on the objective.

stay on course

Suggests adherence to a pre-planned path or strategy, relating to the directional aspect of staying "on task".

keep focused

A more direct and simplified version of "keep on task", emphasizing the act of maintaining focus.

keep to the point

Highlights relevance and avoiding digressions. Used mainly in communication contexts.

keep one's eye on the ball

An idiomatic expression which means to stay focused on the main issue or objective.

stick to the agenda

Refers to maintaining adherence to a predetermined list of topics or activities.

adhere to the plan

Emphasizes sticking rigidly to a pre-defined plan of action.

maintain concentration

Highlights the cognitive effort required to remain attentive to a task.

avoid distractions

Focuses on preventing interruptions from diverting attention from the task at hand.

FAQs

How can I use "keep on task" in a sentence?

You can use "keep on task" to emphasize the importance of staying focused on a particular activity. For example, "It's important to /s/stay+focused to achieve our goals effectively.

What does "keep on task" mean?

"Keep on task" means to remain focused and continue working towards the completion of a specific activity or objective. This involves avoiding distractions and maintaining concentration.

Which is a better phrase to use, "keep on task" or /s/stay+focused?

Both "keep on task" and "stay focused" are acceptable. "Keep on task" might imply more active engagement in the activity at hand, whereas "stay focused" may refer to a mental state.

What are some similar phrases to "keep on task"?

Similar phrases include /s/remain+on+target, /s/keep+focused, and /s/stay+on+course. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.