on track
Showing correct progress
Use on track when something is progressing as planned.
Sales are on track to meet the target.
How to use prepositions with track
Track appears in several common expressions about progress, movement, and routes. Different prepositions create different meanings.
Quick answer
Common expressions with track
Use on track for correct progress, off track for losing focus or direction, track of for monitoring something, and on the track for physical location such as a race track.
The project is on track for completion.
The discussion went off track after the break.
I lost track of the time.
The runners are on the track now.
The discussion went off track after the break.
I lost track of the time.
The runners are on the track now.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
off track
Showing loss of focus or direction
Use off track when someone loses focus or when progress is no longer correct.
The meeting went off track quickly.
track of + noun
Monitoring or remembering something
Use track of after keep, lose, or keep track of.
She keeps track of all company expenses.
on the track
Showing physical location
Use on the track for someone or something physically located on a track.
The cyclists waited on the track before the race.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
on track
The repairs are on track for June.
progressing correctly
off track
His explanation went off track.
losing focus or direction
track of
We lost track of the schedule.
awareness or monitoring of something
in track
In track is not a common standard expression with this meaning.
generally nonstandard except in specialised technical contexts
for track
These shoes are designed for track events.
for use in track sports or activities
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using in track instead of on track
Use on track for progress or planning.
✕ The project is in track. ✓ The project is on track.Forgetting of after track
Track usually takes of in expressions about monitoring.
✕ I lost track the dates. ✓ I lost track of the dates.Confusing off track with a physical location
Off track often describes losing direction, not simply leaving a path.
✕ The train is off track at platform 2. ✓ The discussion is off track again.Using for track without a clear purpose meaning
For track usually means intended for track use or events.
✕ We arrived for track early. ✓ We arrived at the track early.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The team is ___ track to finish the project.
2. I lost track ___ the conversation.
3. His comments went ___ track during the meeting.
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Frequently asked questions
What does on track mean?
It means progressing in the correct or planned way.
Is in track correct English?
Usually no in general English. Use on track instead.
What is the meaning of track of?
It appears in expressions like keep track of or lose track of, meaning monitor or remain aware of something.
Related preposition guides
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