track

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "track" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as both a noun and a verb. For example: I lost track of time while I was watching the movie.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One former Alton Towers employee explained that the Smiler could have up to five cars moving around the track at once and a "block system" run by sensors prevented two cars entering specific sections at the same time.

The Guardian

Police have said it's too dangerous to walk down the track".

The Guardian

We think this is taking the education system down the wrong track".

The Guardian

The strongest elements of Clegg's speech measured by the applause were around this track record in coalition.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he found trouble in running at Sandown and this tricky track may not be easy for a horse of his inexperience, breaking from a wide stall in a big field.

The Guardian - Sport

"Based on historic and global track records, trying to build a new city from scratch is a massive gamble," says Brent Toderian, Vancouver's former chief planner, and a consultant for several cities outside of the Middle East.

The Guardian

Whoever fired at her hadn't been able to track her down with dogs and dispose of the tag because the shot had not immediately been fatal: Betty had flapped on for several miles before collapsing on the ground.

The Guardian

That's why we are giving the new agency new powers to force suspects to disclose information, to open up their accounts; to ensure that their advisers can't conceal evidence; and to track their movements not just in Britain but abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rudisha broke his own world record, becoming the first man in history to run two laps of the track in under 1 min 41 seconds, finishing in 1 40 91.

The Guardian - Sport

Her death on Saturday, which is being treated as a "tragic accident" by both Network Rail and the British Transport police, happened just a few miles down the track from where Olivia and Charlotte were killed.

The Guardian - Business

harmonyhall.com, cottages from $130 a night (three-night minimum) Nothing can quite prepare you for the shock of what lies behind a plain wooden gate at the end of a scruffy little track.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "track" as a verb, ensure clarity regarding what is being tracked (e.g., "track the progress" or "track the location").

Common error

Avoid using "tract" when you mean "track". "Tract" refers to a large area of land, while "track" has various meanings related to paths, monitoring, or recordings.

Linguistic Context

The word "track" serves as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a path, course, or recording. As a verb, it means to follow, monitor, or record something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, both usages are grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Sport

18%

Music

12%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "track" is a versatile term with both noun and verb forms, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It can refer to a physical path, a course of action, the act of monitoring something, or a recording. Its frequency is "very common", appearing often in "news & media", "sports", and "music" contexts. Be careful not to confuse "track" with "tract". When writing, ensure clarity regarding the intended meaning, especially when using "track" as a verb to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

path

Denotes a course or direction taken.

trail

A less formal way to refer to a path or route.

follow

Implies observing or monitoring something as it progresses.

course

Refers to a route or direction, often in a more abstract sense.

monitor

Suggests keeping a close watch on something over time.

racetrack

Specifically refers to a track designed for racing.

trace

Refers to finding or discovering something by following clues.

observe

To watch carefully.

record

Refers to a recorded piece of music.

pitch

In the context of music recording or a musical recording session.

FAQs

How can I use "track" in a sentence?

You can use "track" as a noun, such as in "the race track", or as a verb, such as in "I need to track my expenses".

What is the difference between "track" and "trace"?

"Track" often implies continuous monitoring, while "trace" suggests discovering something by following clues. For example, you "track a package", but you "trace the origins" of a rumor.

What can I say instead of "lose track of"?

Alternatives include "forget", "misremember", or "become unaware of". Depending on the context, you could also use "disregard", "ignore", or "overlook".

Which is correct: "on track" or "on tract"?

The correct phrase is "on track", meaning progressing as planned. "On tract" is incorrect in this context, as "tract" refers to a large area of land.