keeping track of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping track of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of monitoring or managing time effectively, often in contexts related to scheduling or time management. Example: "In order to meet deadlines, it's essential to be diligent about keeping track of time during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Tampons can be tricky with keeping track of time while at the beach but if you can keep track of time then tampons are perfect for you!

WikiHow

People also retire in more robust health, meaning they have more pressing preoccupations than keeping track of time.

The New York Times

I'm not very good at keeping track of time; I'm going to say three years, but not with confidence.

The New Yorker

The clock performed the functions we needed it for keeping track of time even through loss of power from the 9V battery.

Cornell University

Keeping track of time is critical for many tasks, such as playing the piano, swinging a tennis racket, or holding a conversation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For most companies, keeping track of time worked and time off remains a critical and transparent benchmark for workers and bosses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

You can earn points by either keeping track of the time it takes, or for certain activities; If for time, between 10 and 30 minutes would be good for earning a point.

WikiHow

A very good method for keeping track of the time is to have a wall clock.

Cornell University

As we get these plots established, we're keeping track of the time spent on each treatment and the costs of materials.

Cornell University

It is capable of grabbing and unwrapping food, keeping track of cooking time and temperature and then plating the food so that a human chef can add garnishes.

The Washington Post

I was keeping track of the time, because I knew this was a strange kind of experiment, and at one point I saw that I had logged more than two hundred hours".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping track of time" when you need to emphasize the process of monitoring and recording time, especially when accuracy and precision are important, such as in project management or scientific research.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping track of time" when you simply mean 'remembering the time' or 'knowing the time'. The phrase implies a more active and ongoing effort to monitor time, not just a momentary awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping track of time" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of monitoring or managing time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping track of time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the activity of monitoring and managing time. As Ludwig AI indicates, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and everyday conversations. While synonyms like "monitoring the time" and "managing time effectively" exist, "keeping track of time" specifically underscores the continuous and intentional effort to be aware of time's passage. Remember to use this phrase when you genuinely mean to convey the act of actively monitoring time, not just a passing awareness of it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitoring the time

Focuses on the action of monitoring, which is a direct synonym for tracking.

staying aware of the time

Focuses on maintaining a continuous knowledge of the current time.

watching the clock

Emphasizes the visual aspect of observing time, often implying anticipation or impatience.

managing time effectively

Highlights the efficient use and organization of time.

observing the passage of time

Focuses on the awareness and recognition of time elapsing.

accounting for time

Implies a formal or structured method of recording and reporting time, often in a professional context.

being mindful of the hour

Suggests an awareness and consideration of the current time.

remaining conscious of time

Emphasizes the mental effort of being aware of time's progression.

timing things well

Indicates coordinating actions to fit within a period of time.

controlling one's schedule

Focuses on actively regulating and organizing activities within a time frame.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping track of time" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping track of time" in a sentence to describe the act of monitoring or managing time, such as: "Keeping track of time is essential for meeting project deadlines."

What's the difference between "monitoring time" and "keeping track of time"?

While similar, "monitoring time" generally refers to observing the passage of time, while "keeping track of time" implies a more active effort to record, manage, and be aware of how time is being spent.

Which is correct: "keeping track of time" or "keeping a track of time"?

"Keeping track of time" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Keeping a track of time" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some synonyms for "keeping track of time"?

Some synonyms for "keeping track of time" include "monitoring the time", "watching the clock", and "managing time effectively", depending on the context.