How to use Idiom "On the radar" in English? Examples and tips from Grammar Experts
This idiom means to be aware of something that needs attention or consideration. Imagine something appearing on a radar screen, signaling that it requires monitoring—that’s the essence of this idiom.
Prehistory of the Idiom
The phrase "on the radar" comes from the technology used in aviation and maritime navigation, where a radar system detects objects and alerts the user to their presence. Since the mid-20th century, it has been used metaphorically to indicate awareness of issues or situations that need attention.
Short Advice
Use this idiom to describe situations where someone is aware of an issue or opportunity and is considering or monitoring it. It emphasizes awareness and the need to pay attention to something.
Examples of Using "On the radar" in Sentences:
"The new project is on the radar for next quarter." - The new project is being considered and will be addressed next quarter.
"Make sure this issue stays on the radar until it’s resolved." - Ensure this issue continues to receive attention until it’s resolved.
"Is that potential client on our radar?" - Are we aware of and considering that potential client?
"Environmental concerns are definitely on the radar for our company." - Our company is aware of and paying attention to environmental concerns.
"Keep the upcoming deadlines on your radar." - Be aware of and monitor the upcoming deadlines.
"The team has the budget review on their radar for next week." - The team is aware of and planning to address the budget review next week.
"Is there anything else we need to keep on the radar?" - Are there any other issues we need to be aware of and monitor?
"Employee satisfaction should always be on the radar for management." - Management should always be aware of and attentive to employee satisfaction.
"The potential merger is on the radar of all stakeholders." - All stakeholders are aware of and considering the potential merger.
"Make sure this new regulation is on your radar." - Be aware of and consider this new regulation.
"Upcoming industry trends are on the radar of our research team." - Our research team is aware of and monitoring upcoming industry trends.
"His performance issues are on the radar of the HR department." - The HR department is aware of and addressing his performance issues.
"Keep the customer feedback on the radar for future improvements." - Be aware of and consider customer feedback for future improvements.
"The CEO has the company's long-term strategy on the radar." - The CEO is aware of and considering the company's long-term strategy.
"Make sure the new marketing campaign stays on the radar." - Ensure the new marketing campaign continues to receive attention.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the idiom "on the radar."
"The new software update is __________ for next month."
"Make sure this issue stays __________ until it’s resolved."
"Is that potential client __________?"
"Environmental concerns are definitely __________ for our company."
"Keep the upcoming deadlines __________."
Exercise 2: Sentence Creation
Create your own sentences using the idiom "on the radar" to describe the following situations:
A team considering a new project:
Example: "The team has the new project __________ and will discuss it in the next meeting."
A manager monitoring employee performance:
Example: "Employee performance is always __________ for the manager to ensure productivity."
A business aware of industry trends:
Example: "Upcoming industry trends are __________ of the company's research team."
A student aware of exam dates:
Example: "The exam dates are __________, so she needs to start preparing soon."
A homeowner planning renovations:
Example: "Home renovations are __________ for the summer."
Exercise 3: Scenario Analysis
Read the scenarios below and explain how "on the radar" would be a suitable description.
Scenario: A company is considering expanding into a new market but hasn't made a final decision.
Explanation: "The expansion into the new market is __________ for the company, but no final decision has been made."
Scenario: A teacher is keeping track of a student's progress because they were struggling at the beginning of the semester.
Explanation: "The student's progress is __________ for the teacher to ensure improvement."
Scenario: A city council is aware of increasing traffic problems and is planning future infrastructure projects to address them.
Explanation: "The increasing traffic problems are __________ for the city council, and they are planning infrastructure projects."
Scenario: A scientist is aware of recent advancements in their field and is considering incorporating them into their research.
Explanation: "Recent advancements in the field are __________ for the scientist as they consider incorporating them into their research."
Scenario: A family is aware of potential vacation destinations but hasn't decided where to go yet.
Explanation: "Potential vacation destinations are __________ for the family as they decide where to go."
Exercise 4: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences to include the idiom "on the radar."
"The company is considering the new project."
"The new project is on the radar for the company."
"The manager is aware of the upcoming deadlines."
"The upcoming deadlines are on the manager's radar."
"The team is planning to review the budget next week."
"The budget review is on the radar for the team next week."
"The HR department is addressing his performance issues."
"His performance issues are on the radar of the HR department."
"The CEO is considering the company's long-term strategy."
"The company's long-term strategy is on the CEO's radar."
Exercise 5: Reflection
Reflect on a time when you or someone you know had something "on the radar." Write a short paragraph describing the situation and what was being considered or monitored.
"One time when I had something __________ was when I was __________. Initially, it was just an idea, but as it progressed, it became clear that it was __________. This development took several months, but finally, it was ready to __________."