keep things on track

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep things on track" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate the need for someone to stay focused or maintain progress. For example: "If we want to reach our goal in time, we must work together to keep things on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

He describes one of the imperatives for AOL Ventures as "to keep things on track that have not been on track".

TechCrunch

Armstrong added that one of the purposes of AOL Ventures is "to keep things on track that have not been on track.

TechCrunch

That has been really difficult, but with the help of counselling I have managed to keep things on track.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of his main worries is that Cisco does not have sufficiently replicable processes in place to keep things on track.

The Economist

Rachel Podger, a violinist and the orchestra's leader, will keep things on track in performances that will do without a conductor.

The New York Times

It is the governance procedures that keep things on track, driving the partnership towards the goals outlined in the supplier engagement stage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

None of this might seem like it should make a dramatic difference, but Kashen suggested that the simple act of having an agenda and a clock in front of you can really help keep things on-track.

TechCrunch

Steven White kept things on track in the pit.

The New York Times

"Ken is enormously talented and has been the guy who has kept things on track, he's the guy who steered the party through very successful elections last fall.

The New York Times

Chemistry between partners across the system is impossible to manufacture and can be the defining thread that keeps things on track.

Harvard Business Review

Steven White kept things on track in the pit, and the orchestra competently churned out the Bizet score, which has long since become a parade of operatic greatest hits.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep things on track" to emphasize the importance of maintaining focus and direction in projects or tasks. This phrase is best suited when you want to convey the need for consistent effort and monitoring to achieve a specific goal.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "keep things on track" excessively in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stay focused" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep things on track" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the act of maintaining progress, direction, or control over a process or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in emphasizing focus and consistent effort.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep things on track" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey the importance of maintaining progress, direction, and control. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts, including news, business, and academia. Alternatives such as "maintain momentum" or "stay the course" can be used to express similar ideas. When using the expression remember to maintain consistency in your writing and avoid overuse in informal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay the course

Emphasizes perseverance and adherence to the original plan or intention.

maintain momentum

Focuses on preserving the speed and energy of an activity or project.

adhere to the plan

Focuses on following the established procedures and guidelines.

steer in the right direction

Highlights the act of guiding and managing progress towards a desired outcome.

remain on schedule

Highlights the importance of completing tasks according to a predetermined timeline.

move forward smoothly

Emphasizes ease and lack of obstacles during progression.

ensure progress

Stresses the importance of making continued advancements toward a goal.

keep everything aligned

Focuses on maintaining consistency and harmony across different elements or aspects.

guide toward success

Highlights the importance of leading or directing efforts to achieve a favorable outcome.

preserve stability

Emphasizes the need to maintain a steady and consistent state.

FAQs

How can I use "keep things on track" in a sentence?

You can use "keep things on track" to emphasize the need for maintaining progress or focus, as in, "Regular meetings help us "keep things on track" with the project".

What does "keep things on track" mean?

"Keep things on track" means to maintain progress and direction toward a goal, preventing deviations or delays.

What can I say instead of "keep things on track"?

Alternatives to "keep things on track" include "maintain momentum", "stay the course", or "remain on schedule", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "keep things on track" or "stay focused"?

Both phrases are useful, but "keep things on track" is better suited for project management or maintaining progress, while "stay focused" is generally used for individual concentration.