stayed on task

USAGE SUMMARY

"stayed on task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when someone consistently follows the required actions and does not become distracted or deviate from the intended course of action. For example: "Although several other people were discussing topics unrelated to the project, John stayed on task and completed his work on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The intern gave himself good marks, saying he believed he had appropriately "stayed on task".

The New York Times

The researchers could, in other words, take an observable behavior — how long students took to finish certain assignments, for example, or how well they stayed on task — and match it against a host of self-reported measures, among them the tendency to procrastinate.

The New Yorker

They knew what they wanted to get out of the program and stayed on task the entire time.

Huffington Post

I stayed on task and within a few hours, I was down to 24 emails -- a far more reasonable list.

Huffington Post

For a long time, attendees stayed on task, bringing together high-profile artists, industry insiders, and technical leaders to discuss what game-changing software, trends, and business acumen could move the genre forward.

Vice

Students generally began discussing a clicker question within a few seconds of being prompted by the instructor and stayed on task most of the time.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You might, for instance, try mentally repeating to yourself your motivation for staying on-task: i.e., "Work hard to earn a 4.0.

WikiHow

"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

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stayed on task", ensure the context clearly indicates what the specific task or goal is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stayed on task" without specifying the task. For example, instead of saying "The team stayed on task", specify what the task was: "The team stayed on task with the marketing campaign".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed on task" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of focused effort toward a specific goal or activity. It highlights the ability to resist distractions and maintain concentration, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stayed on task" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression that describes the act of maintaining focus and dedication to a specific activity or goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for general use. While the phrase is valid, it's crucial to define the task. Although "stayed on task" is versatile and appropriate in various settings, its frequency is categorized as uncommon. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "maintained focus" or "adhered to the plan".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained focused

Focuses on the state of concentration rather than adherence to a task.

kept at it

Implies persistence and determination in continuing a task.

maintained concentration

Highlights the sustained mental effort involved.

persisted with the task

Emphasizes the act of continuing despite potential difficulties.

stuck to the plan

Focuses on adherence to a predetermined course of action.

followed through

Implies completion of a commitment or intention.

was single-minded

Highlights the unwavering focus on a singular objective.

didn't get sidetracked

Focuses on avoiding distractions and maintaining the original direction.

kept one's eye on the ball

An idiomatic expression signifying unwavering attention to the primary goal.

concentrated efforts

Emphasizes focused and dedicated efforts.

FAQs

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

You can use "stayed on task" to describe someone's ability to maintain focus and concentration on a specific activity or objective. For instance, "Despite the interruptions, she "stayed on task" and completed the project on time."

What are some alternative phrases for "stayed on task"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remained focused", "kept at it", or "persisted with the task", each carrying a slightly different nuance of maintaining dedication.

Is "stayed on task" formal or informal?

"Stayed on task" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might prefer phrases like "maintained focus" or "adhered to the plan".

Which is correct: "stayed on task" or "stayed focused"?

Both "stayed on task" and "stayed focused" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Stayed on task" highlights adherence to a specific duty or objective, while "stayed focused" emphasizes maintaining concentration.