things are on track

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'things are on track' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a process or plan is progressing as anticipated. Example: We're well into the project now and it looks like things are on track.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

and things are on track".

The New York Times

Things are on track to make that happen.

The New York Times

For Clinton's campaign team in Brooklyn Heights, that means things are on track.

The New Yorker

The fund returns periodically to make sure things are on track, only providing fresh cash if they are.

The Economist

What will a little local difficulty in Cardiff, Edinburgh or Dublin matter if Woodward can say that things are on track for Paris 2007?

The Guardian - Sport

So, unless it soon becomes clear that an election is in the offing, the mood in Congo's crumbling capital, Kinshasa, home to 9m people, may start getting ugly.Father Apollinaire Malu Malu, the electoral commission's head, says things are on track for all voters to be registered by October.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Vedanta, a London-listed resources firm, has been waiting for almost a year for ministerial approval to buy control of the Indian unit of Cairn Energy, which is also London-listed.On June 28th, during a trip to America, India's finance minister insisted that things were on track.

The Economist

At the end of a confused day in which even Mr. Obama's advisers seemed unsure what was happening, a transition official reached out to reporters Thursday night to say that the president-elect's team believed things were on track with Mrs. Clinton and that her nomination could be announced after Thanksgiving.

The New York Times

I guess things are on the right track!

The New York Times

" If you believe things are on the right track in America, then you ought to vote for Barack Obama.

The New York Times

For a party in government, the usual election message is simple: things are on the right track.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are on track" to convey a sense of confidence and forward momentum in project updates, reports, or general communication. For example, "Despite the initial challenges, things are now on track for a successful launch."

Common error

Avoid using "things are on track" repeatedly in close succession. Vary your language by using synonyms like "progress is being made" or "we are on schedule" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced view of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are on track" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a plan or project is progressing as expected, without encountering significant problems or delays. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are on track" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to convey that a plan or project is progressing as expected. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in news and media, and while suitable for formal communication, it maintains a neutral register. For variations, consider alternatives like "progress is being made" or "we are on schedule". Remember to use the phrase judiciously to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Progress is being made

Focuses on the overall advancement rather than adherence to a specific plan.

Everything is proceeding as planned

Emphasizes adherence to a predefined schedule and expectations.

We are on schedule

Highlights the timely progression of events or tasks.

The project is advancing well

Refers specifically to the positive development of a particular undertaking.

The situation is under control

Suggests that challenges are being managed effectively and the outcome is positive.

We are meeting our targets

Implies that specific goals are being achieved as expected.

The plan is unfolding smoothly

Highlights the effortless and predictable nature of the progress.

The wheels are in motion

Indicates that the process has begun and is actively progressing.

The course is steady

Highlights the stability and predictability of the advancement.

All systems are go

Indicates readiness and positive progress towards achieving goals.

FAQs

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

You can use "things are on track" to indicate that a project, plan, or situation is progressing as expected. For example, "The construction project is progressing smoothly; "things are on track" for completion by the end of the year."

What are some alternatives to saying "things are on track"?

Instead of "things are on track", you can use phrases like "progress is being made", "we are on schedule", or "everything is proceeding as planned", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "things are on track" in formal writing?

Yes, "things are on track" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially in business or project management contexts. However, for very formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "progress is satisfactory" or "the project is advancing as anticipated".

What does it mean when someone says "things are on track"?

When someone says ""things are on track"", it means that a particular activity, project, or situation is developing according to the established plan or schedule, and there are no significant issues or delays.