lose track of time

Meaning

This expression means to become so deeply involved in or distracted by an activity that you fail to notice how much time has passed. It is a common, neutral phrase used to explain lateness or explain why you spent so long doing something. It carries a relatable, slightly apologetic, or simply descriptive tone.

Examples

• I'm so sorry I'm late; I was reading a book and completely lost track of time.

  I'm so sorry I'm late; I was reading a book and completely lost track of time.

• It's easy to lose track of time when you're playing video games.

  It's easy to lose track of time when you're playing video games.

• We were having such a good conversation that we totally lost track of time.

  We were having such a good conversation that we totally lost track of time.

• I always lose track of time when I'm working on a creative project.

  I always lose track of time when I'm working on a creative project.

• Make sure you don't lose track of time; we have to leave for the airport in an hour.

  Make sure you don't lose track of time; we have to leave for the airport in an hour.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I lost the track of time.

  ✓ I lost track of time.

  Do not use the definite article 'the' in this idiom. The correct phrase is simply 'lose track of time.'

• ✗ I lost my track of time.

  ✓ I lost track of time.

  Do not insert a possessive adjective like 'my' or 'your' before 'track.' The noun phrase 'track of time' remains fixed.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Whenever I browse social media, I always ___ and end up staying up too late.

  💡 Forget how many hours have passed.

  Show answer

  lose track of time

• He was so focused on his painting that he ___ and missed his dinner.

  💡 Use the past tense of the verb.

  Show answer

  lost track of time