to get sidetracked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to get sidetracked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being distracted or diverted from their main focus or task. Example: "I intended to finish my report today, but I got sidetracked by a lengthy meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But it was hard not to get sidetracked.

The New York Times - Food

Paulson didn't want to get sidetracked by issues that he considered extraneous to the immediate crisis.

The New Yorker

"But it's just too crucial a time in your life to get sidetracked with games.

The New Yorker

I try not to get sidetracked with all that stuff and let the coaches focus on the other teams.

The New York Times

"That's what Oneida has done, and what I hope we represent to people: an inspiration to have the creative work be your priority, and not to get sidetracked".

The New York Times - Arts

"I had to train myself not to get too interested in their problems," he said, "and not to get sidetracked trying to be a semi-therapist".

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

However today she urged opponents of Obama's healthcare reform plan to "stick to a discussion of the issues" at town hall meetings held by elected officials and to "not get sidetracked by tactics that can be accused of leading to intimidation or harassment".

The Guardian

I envy his ability to not get sidetracked when he is focused on a project.

Huffington Post

I have a pretty good sense of what I could attend to that would make me happier, and what I would be happier attending to less, but get sidetracked an awful lot.

Huffington Post

Given your flagging energy and desire to go to sleep, you may get sidetracked as the night wears on depending how well "in the flow" you become.

WikiHow

But whenever I try to get going, I get sidetracked by anxiety (and random Kardashian shows).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to get sidetracked", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the original intention or task that was diverted from. This provides context and makes the meaning clearer.

Common error

Avoid using "to get sidetracked" interchangeably with phrases like "to lose focus" without considering the nuance. "To get sidetracked" implies an external diversion, while "to lose focus" suggests an internal lapse in concentration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to get sidetracked" functions as part of an infinitive verb phrase, often expressing purpose or consequence. It describes the act of being diverted from a primary task or intention, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Huffington Post

11%

Less common in

TechCrunch

4%

The New York Times - Sports

2%

Vice

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to get sidetracked" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe being diverted from an intended course of action, goal, or topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in news, media, and general writing. While alternatives like "to be distracted" or "to lose focus" exist, it's important to consider the nuances of each phrase to accurately convey the intended meaning. When using "to get sidetracked", make sure to clearly indicate what the original intention was to provide context to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to get off track

Similar to "to get sidetracked", but implies a more structured or planned path.

to be distracted

Focuses on the state of mind rather than the action of being diverted.

to lose focus

Emphasizes the inability to maintain concentration on the primary task.

to be diverted

Highlights the act of being turned away from an intended path.

to wander off-topic

Specifically refers to deviating from the main subject of discussion.

to go off on a tangent

Suggests a sudden and often unrelated deviation from the original topic.

to stray from the point

Indicates a departure from the central idea or argument.

to digress

A more formal term for deviating from the main subject in speech or writing.

to lose one's way

Metaphorically suggests becoming lost or confused in the process.

to be led astray

Indicates that external influences caused the deviation.

FAQs

How can I use "to get sidetracked" in a sentence?

You can use "to get sidetracked" to describe being distracted from a main task or goal. For example, "I wanted to finish writing my report, but I "got sidetracked" by answering emails".

What are some alternatives to saying "to get sidetracked"?

Alternatives include "to be distracted", "to lose focus", or "to be diverted", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "get sidetracked" or "be distracted"?

While both are valid, "get sidetracked" implies an external element causing the distraction, whereas "be distracted" can refer to internal or external causes. Choose the phrase that best reflects the cause of the deviation.

How does "to get sidetracked" differ from "to procrastinate"?

"To get sidetracked" suggests being unintentionally diverted from a task, whereas "to procrastinate" implies a deliberate delay or avoidance of a task.