remained on task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained on task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who continues to focus on their work or responsibilities without getting distracted. Example: "Despite the noise in the background, she remained on task and completed her project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

MacGyver, by contrast, always remained on task.

The New York Times

The seeded women remained on task today.

The New York Times - Sports

During the 15 minute test, the administrator stayed in the testing room to notate observations, without talking to the participant and to assure that they remained on task.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Typically, the IA students would be off-task at the very beginning of the activity (i.e., a delay in engaging with the activity); however, once they started the activity they generally remained on-task.

CBE Life Sciences Education

People with ADHD will tend to go "off-task" independent of the reinforcement lost because the effort to remain "on-task" requires energy resources that are no longer available to them.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

"Personnel who are essential to supporting operations will remain on task regardless of this leave period and there will be no impact to the mission in Afghanistan".

BBC

Researchers are also examining how digital media can inhibit studying, however, and Rosen et al. (2013) found middle-school, high-school, and undergraduate students were unable to remain on task for even 6 min before being tempted by Facebook or texting when studying at home.

International Journal of STEM Education

So when Johan Lindeberg, Creative Director of BLK DNM, invites you to a private denim fitting, you say, "yes!" While it was difficult to focus on just one element of the seasonless BLK DNM collection inspired by downtown New York at POP 1 -- I was determined to remain on task.

Huffington Post

Why shouldn't I have said something that makes people think about why they blame girls for distracting boys instead of boys for lacking the self-control to remain on task?" And that's how you make a memorable exit from high school.

Huffington Post

Results indicated that medication improved remaining on task (i.e., mostly responding accurately), being less distracted (i.e., less time hitting some targets and some non-targets), and minimal response patterns (i.e., less time missing most targets and non-targets).

BMC Psychiatry

If employees are not clear about their objectives, they will be less likely to remain on task, which will only lead to failure in their efforts, frustration on both sides, and ultimately, negative morale.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained on task" when you want to emphasize sustained focus and dedication to a specific duty, even when faced with distractions or challenges.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily using passive constructions with "remained on task". Instead of "The project remained on task due to diligent management", a more direct construction like "Diligent management ensured the project remained on task" is often clearer and more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained on task" functions as a predicate phrase within a sentence, typically describing the subject's ability to maintain focus and dedication to a specific task or objective. This phrase is used to indicate that someone or something has continued to concentrate on their responsibilities without being distracted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remained on task" effectively conveys sustained focus and dedication to a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not overly common, it finds use across diverse contexts from science to news reporting, indicating a moderate level of formality. When writing, remember that alternative expressions like "stayed focused" or "kept on track" exist to match a specific situation and prevent overusing passive voice for clearer sentences. Use "remained on task" when it’s relevant to highlight the continued concentration needed to achieve objectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stayed focused

Focuses on maintaining attention, less emphasis on the assigned duty or objective.

kept on track

Highlights maintaining the correct path or direction toward a goal.

maintained focus

Similar to "stayed focused" but may imply a more deliberate effort to keep attention.

persisted in the task

Emphasizes perseverance and continuing despite potential challenges.

continued to work

A more general phrase indicating an ongoing effort without specific focus.

persevered with the assignment

Focuses on determination in the face of difficulty or length of a task.

remained engaged

Highlights the level of involvement and participation in the activity.

attended to the matter

Emphasizes giving proper attention to a particular issue or task.

concentrated on the job

Highlights the concentration and mental effort devoted to a particular job.

stuck to the plan

Implies adherence to a predetermined course of action or strategy.

FAQs

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

You can use "remained on task" to describe someone or something that continued to focus on their work or responsibilities. For instance, "Despite the interruptions, the team "remained on task" and completed the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "remained on task"?

Some alternatives include "stayed focused", "kept on track", or "maintained focus" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "remained on task" or "stayed on task"?

Both "remained on task" and "stayed on task" are correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Remained" might suggest a longer period of sustained focus.

In what situations is "remained on task" most appropriate?

"Remained on task" is suitable in situations where sustained focus is crucial, such as in professional settings or academic research, and it is more formal compared to alternatives like "kept on track".