A demanding schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A demanding schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a schedule that requires a lot of time, effort, or commitment, often implying that it is challenging to manage. Example: "With a demanding schedule filled with meetings and deadlines, I often find it hard to maintain a work-life balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Ms. Perry, in turn, has adhered to a demanding schedule.

The New York Times

This is demanding job with a demanding schedule.

The New York Times

Four tournament games of considerable magnitude in four weeks is a demanding schedule.

Independent

Nehro has had a demanding schedule this spring, with three races in six weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a demanding schedule, and it won't be easy, but the satisfaction it offers is immense.

The Guardian

Trump is undoubtedly running to win Nevada, too, touring the state on a demanding schedule to get out his base.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Therefore, this requirement should be interpreted as referring to exhaustion unrelated to an excessively demanding schedule that would induce fatigue in an otherwise healthy adult.

BMC Health Services Research

Within an incredibly demanding schedule full of 13+ hour days, every effort is being made to maximize Secretary Price's ability to travel outside Washington to meet with the American people and carry out HHS's missions.

Vice

He is recovering from a groin injury, a consequence of the demanding schedule for PSG who are still involved in three competitions, but is hoping to be fit for the Chelsea game.

The Guardian - Sport

The All Blacks played in Japan ahead of this European tour and while the players did not object to that, there is a sense that a game in the USA, on top of their already demanding schedule in a sport where wear and tear is inevitable, may be a stopover too far for the players.

Independent

Significantly for a man with his demanding schedule, Jack never missed one of their games as children or in college.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's daily activities, use "a demanding schedule" to effectively convey that they are busy and have a lot of responsibilities. For example, "As a doctor, she manages "a demanding schedule" with long hours and constant patient care."

Common error

Avoid using "a demanding schedule" without providing specific details. Instead of just stating someone has "a demanding schedule", explain what makes it demanding such as the number of meetings, deadlines, or travel requirements. This adds credibility and provides a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a demanding schedule" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a timetable or a set of activities that requires significant effort, time, and commitment. This is reinforced by Ludwig's analysis of the examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academic

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a demanding schedule" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a timetable or set of activities that requires significant effort and time. As Ludwig confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media sources and has a neutral to professional tone. When using the phrase, ensure you provide context to what specifically makes the schedule demanding for greater clarity. Alternatives include "a rigorous timetable" or "a hectic agenda" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A rigorous timetable

This alternative emphasizes the strictness and precision of the schedule.

A hectic agenda

This suggests a schedule filled with activity and potential stress.

A packed itinerary

This highlights that the schedule is full of events and activities.

An intense program

This focuses on the high level of activity and effort required by the schedule.

A challenging workload

This emphasizes the difficulty and amount of work involved in the schedule.

A full plate

This idiom suggests being very busy and having many commitments.

Time-consuming commitments

This alternative highlights that the commitments require a lot of time

A heavy workload

This phrase emphasizes the large amount of work to be done.

Tight deadlines

Focuses specifically on the pressure of needing to meet various close deadlines.

Unrelenting obligations

This emphasizes the continuous and demanding nature of the responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "A demanding schedule" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a rigorous timetable", "a challenging agenda", or "an intense program" instead of "a demanding schedule".

What does it mean to have "A demanding schedule"?

Having "a demanding schedule" means that your timetable requires significant time, energy, and commitment. It often implies difficulty in managing various responsibilities and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Is "A demanding schedule" the same as "A hectic schedule"?

While both phrases suggest a busy lifestyle, "a demanding schedule" emphasizes the effort and rigor required, whereas "a hectic schedule" focuses more on the chaotic and frenzied nature of the activities.

How to use "A demanding schedule" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's busy life, such as: "Balancing work and family life requires managing "a demanding schedule"." Alternatively, you can emphasize that it is exhausting: "The constant travel made for "a demanding schedule" that left her constantly fatigued."