time on task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time on task" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in educational or productivity contexts to refer to the amount of time spent actively engaged in a specific task or activity. Example: "To improve student performance, we need to increase the time on task during lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

However, this practice makes three critical assumptions: (1) static time on task predicts time on task while driving; (2) time on task measured in a hazard-free environment predicts time on task when drivers expect hazards; (3) time on task predicts perceived distraction, collisions, and driving errors.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Dr. Arum and Dr. Roksa point to sheer time on task.

The New York Times

But longer time on task doesn't equate to better results, only greater burnout.

The Washington Post

Static time on task underestimated dynamic time on task, though the differences between tasks were roughly consistent across testing conditions, with the cellular task taking more time.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

"I would tell them 'smart' is just time on task, it's repetition and support," she said.

The New York Times

One approach is to use static time on task (e.g., the 15-second rule).

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Many business leaders still believe that time on-task equates to productivity.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were negative for time-on-task.

Epilepsy & Behavior

Eye-movements, time-on-task, perceived mental effort, and task performance were recorded.

Learning and Instruction

Neural cascade of conflict processing: Not just time-on-task.. Neuropsychologia, 96, 184-191.

Duke University

Dialog dosage was significant even after accounting for time-on-task (including time on dialogs).

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing productivity or educational outcomes, use "time on task" to highlight the direct relationship between focused effort and results.

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply increasing "time on task" will automatically improve outcomes. Focused and effective methods are also key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time on task" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a common and accepted expression, especially in contexts relating to education and productivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time on task" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific, news, and business contexts. It's employed to describe the duration spent actively engaged in a specific activity, often to assess productivity or learning effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While increasing "time on task" is often seen as a way to improve outcomes, it's crucial to consider the quality of engagement and avoid overemphasis on quantity, which can lead to burnout.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

task duration

Focuses specifically on the length of time dedicated to a task.

engagement time

Emphasizes the period of active participation in a task.

time spent on activity

Highlights the allocation of time to a particular activity.

dedicated time

Stresses the commitment of time to a specific purpose.

time allocation

Concerns the management and distribution of time for different tasks.

working hours

Refers to the time during which someone is working.

project timeline

Indicates the scheduled duration for completing a project.

time investment

Implies that time is being used with the expectation of future benefits.

schedule duration

Pertains to the planned length of a scheduled event or task.

period of concentration

Emphasizes the time during which one is focused and attentive.

FAQs

How can I effectively increase "time on task" in a classroom setting?

Strategies include minimizing distractions, setting clear goals, and providing engaging activities. Techniques like the Pomodoro method can also help students maintain focus. Consider alternatives such as "engagement time".

What is the difference between "time on task" and productivity?

"Time on task" refers to the duration spent actively working, while productivity is a measure of output or results achieved within that time. High "time on task" doesn't always guarantee high productivity if the work isn't efficient. Consider alternatives such as "task duration".

What are some signs that a student is struggling with "time on task"?

Signs include frequent distractions, difficulty focusing, and an inability to complete assignments within a reasonable timeframe. Consider alternatives such as "time spent on activity".

Is there a point where increasing "time on task" becomes counterproductive?

Yes, excessive "time on task" without breaks or proper rest can lead to burnout and decreased performance. It's important to balance work with adequate recovery. Consider alternatives such as "dedicated time".