while on task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while on task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is focused on a specific activity or assignment without distractions. Example: "Students are expected to remain quiet and engaged while on task during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Big data in education always requires dedicated devices for collecting massive amounts of noisy data, such as specific hardware and software to capture students' facial expressions, movements in class, eye movements while on task, body postures, classroom talk, and interaction with others.

Huffington Post

It is possible that chewing gum has a transient positive effect, but only after cessation of chewing, since chewing while on task can have a negative effect [ 15, 16].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Located on the frontal lobe, it is a toolbox of mental attention skills that enables the brain to concentrate on one task while blocking out competing information and to switch focus between different tasks without becoming confused.

The Guardian

So many of us find that while we're working on one task, a nagging voice pops up in our heads saying we should be doing something else.

The Guardian

Lesiuk (2005) found that that state positive affect and work quality were higher in the presence of music, while time-on-task was shorter when music was present indicating that the participants spent more time on a task than intended when music was absent.

Anxiety, Stress and Coping

While guidelines on task shifting and recommendations on transforming health professional education exist, this study provides new evidence that countries in the ECSA region face obstacles to adapting their practice and education regulations accordingly.

Human Resources for Health

These sensory inputs are irrelevant to target identification and thus are distractors while participants are on-task.

Plosone

These cognitive processes (e.g., self-attribution) are irrelevant to target identification while participants are on-task, and therefore the information processed in them should be suppressed.

Plosone

The fashion business has a tradition of young talented designers creating and nurturing eponymous brands within the umbrella of a large group while taking on the task of rejuvenating the grand names of fashion in the parent's stable.

The New York Times

Daniel Lu, a special-education teacher, said that the workshops provided him with a road map to give students more independence while keeping them on task.

The New York Times

While increasing time on task alone has little effect on student academic achievement (Plant et al., 2005), students who engage in deliberate practice have higher performance in problem-oriented courses, such as accounting and chemistry (Crippen and Brooks, 2009; Yu, 2011).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while on task" to clearly communicate a state of focus and engagement, especially when outlining expectations for behavior or performance. For example, "Students are expected to maintain silence and focus while on task during examinations."

Common error

Avoid using "while on task" when describing general states of being or conditions unrelated to specific duties or assignments. Overusing it can sound unnatural. For instance, instead of saying 'He feels stressed while on task in life', a better phrasing would be 'He feels stressed in life'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while on task" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the temporal context within which an action or state occurs, specifying that the action happens as something else is being done. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while on task" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote concurrent action during a specified duty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's versatile across various contexts, especially in science and news, though its application should align with the specific nature of the task or activity being described. Remember to use it when focusing on a specific activity without distractions and avoid overuse in general descriptions. Consider alternatives like "during the task" or "when working on the task" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while performing the task

Uses "performing" instead of "on", emphasizing the action of doing the task.

when working on the task

Focuses on the action of "working" rather than just being "on" the task.

while attending to the task

Focuses on giving attention to the task at hand.

whilst engaged in the task

Replaces "while" with "whilst" and "on task" with "engaged in the task", adding a slightly more formal tone.

while occupied with the task

Emphasizes the state of being busy or engaged with the task.

during active involvement in the task

Highlights active participation and engagement.

during task execution

Replaces the entire phrase with a more technical or formal term relating to project management or efficient workflow.

as the task is carried out

Replaces "while" with "as" and "on task" with "the task is carried out", suggesting the activity is being performed or pursued.

during the activity

Simplifies the phrase by using "activity" instead of "task", broadening the range of application.

throughout the duration of the task

Emphasizes the entire period that the task requires.

FAQs

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

You can use "while on task" to describe someone who is focused and engaged in a specific activity, such as "Ensure all students remain silent "during the exam" while on task".

What phrases can I use instead of "while on task"?

Alternatives include "during the task", "while working on the task", or "when performing the task" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "while on assignment" instead of "while on task"?

Using "while on assignment" is context-dependent; it works well when referring to specific assignments or duties but might not be appropriate in all situations where "while on task" is used.

What is the difference between "while on task" and "while on duty"?

"While on task" emphasizes focus on a specific activity, whereas "while on duty" indicates being in a state of service or responsibility, not necessarily focused on one thing.