be on track

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to be making good progress and likely to succeed or finish as planned

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to' + infinitive or 'for' + noun: 'on track to win', 'on track for success'.

   Patterns

   • be on track to do something
   • be on track for something
   • be on track with something

   We are on track to finish the project by Friday.

   She is on track for a promotion this year.

   The team is on track with its sales goals.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   to be behaving well and not doing anything wrong or illegal

   Grammar: Used especially about young people or people who had problems before; often in the phrase 'stay on track'.

   Patterns

   • stay on track
   • keep someone on track

   After some difficult years, he is back on track and doing well at school.

   The program helps young people stay on track.

Common combinations

on track to do something

They are on track to break the record.

on track for something

The company is on track for a strong year.

stay on track

It is hard to stay on track when you have so many distractions.

back on track

After the delay, the schedule is back on track.

Synonyms and how they differ

on schedule

Focuses only on time, not on overall success; 'on track' can also mean making good progress in general.

on course

Very similar, but more formal and often used for big goals like elections or missions.

Opposites

Word family

track noun

A path or a course of progress.

track verb

To follow the progress of something over time.

Commonly confused: be on track or on the track?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “be on track”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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