stay on task

USAGE SUMMARY

"stay on task" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to encourage someone to stay focused on the task at hand, i.e. "Let's stay on task and finish this project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"On one hand, you don't have disruptions so you can stay on task.

The New York Times

We tried so hard to stay on task.

The New York Times

She also helped us stay on task and meet deadlines.

The New York Times

He still forgot his homework sometimes, still had to be occasionally reminded to stay on task.

Harvard University

Mentally tough competitors stay on task, inhibiting or redirecting aggressive urges.

The New York Times - Sports

We feel we can make it as long as we stay on task".

The Guardian - Sport

Besides making memories stickier, exercise can help you focus and stay on task.

The Guardian

Often, you'll be able to stay on task once you've overcome that initial jump.

The New Yorker

They could stay on task longer and they switched between tasks less frequently.

The New York Times

Five students, caked with mud, stay on task despite the racket, digging hole after hole to plant their elm trees.

The New York Times

Focused techniques such as to-do lists, timetables, and calendar reminders all help people to stay on task.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "stay on task" when you want to encourage focus and prevent distractions. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "stay on task" in contexts where flexibility and creativity are crucial. Overemphasis on sticking to the task can stifle innovation and exploration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay on task" primarily functions as an imperative, encouraging or instructing someone to maintain focus and direction on the current activity or goal. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stay on task" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to encourage focus and prevent distractions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Its imperative nature makes it suitable for various contexts, from professional environments to everyday conversations. While versatile, it's important to balance its use with the need for flexibility and creativity. Alternatives such as "maintain focus" or "remain focused" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. The phrase appears frequently in news media and academic settings, highlighting its relevance in diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain focus

This alternative emphasizes the act of keeping one's attention directed towards a specific goal.

remain focused

Similar to 'maintain focus', this suggests continuing to direct attention to the task at hand.

keep your eye on the ball

This is an idiomatic expression meaning to remain focused on the primary objective.

concentrate on the matter at hand

This alternative highlights focusing specifically on the current issue or task.

stick to the agenda

This phrase emphasizes adherence to a predetermined plan or schedule.

don't get sidetracked

A negative phrasing which emphasizes avoiding distractions.

keep to the point

Emphasizes relevance and avoiding tangential discussions or activities.

persevere

This suggests continuing in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.

be disciplined

This focuses on self-control and adherence to a specific course of action.

apply oneself

This means to dedicate effort and attention to a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "stay on task" to encourage focus, as in "It's important to "stay on task" during the meeting to ensure we cover all agenda items".

What are some alternatives to "stay on task"?

Alternatives to "stay on task" include phrases like "maintain focus", "remain focused", or "keep your eye on the ball".

Is "stay on task" appropriate for formal communication?

Yes, "stay on task" is suitable for both formal and informal communication. In more formal settings, you might consider alternatives like "maintain focus" for a slightly more elevated tone.

How does using a planner help me "stay on task"?

A planner helps you "stay on task" by providing a structured overview of your responsibilities and deadlines, reducing the likelihood of distractions and improving time management.