a broad timetable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad timetable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a general or flexible schedule that outlines timeframes without being overly specific. Example: "The project will follow a broad timetable, allowing for adjustments as needed throughout the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A broad timetable for the rebellion was set.

The Guardian

The Knicks announced the injury on March 26 and gave a broad timetable of two to four weeks for Stoudemire to return.

The New York Times - Sports

The first minister set out a broad timetable of events should the deal be completed.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The broad timetable states that universal credit will start to take new claims from unemployed people in October 2013.

The Guardian

Does any of this mean that the broad timetable for winding down quantitative easing is now seriously off track?

BBC

The culmination of the summit was a plan that set broad timetables for improving sanitation, reducing chemical pollution and protecting endangered species.

The New York Times

The culmination of the meeting was an "action plan" that set broad timetables for improving sanitation, reducing chemical pollution and protecting endangered species through the coming two decades.

The New York Times

OPSI has a remarkably broad occurrence timetable.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Because there are three different criteria for such status income per head, a human assets index comprising health, nutrition, literacy and school enrolments, and an economic vulnerability index (which uses various measures to assess a country's exposure to natural and climatic setbacks)—the data, based on figures for income per head, give no more than a broad indication of graduation timetables.

The Economist

His crucial intervention was to provide wavering voters a guarantee that further devolution would be delivered on a clear timetable, with a broad plan finalised by the end of November and a final agreement reached in January 2015.

The Guardian

The UN has launched a broad consultation process, which makes the timetable particularly ambitious.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "a broad timetable" when you want to communicate the overall time estimations of a project and to avoid setting unrealistic expectations about the timeline, allowing for adjustments along the way.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad timetable" in project phases that require precise deadlines. Use more specific terms like "detailed schedule" or "strict deadline" when accuracy becomes essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad timetable" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a schedule that allows for flexibility. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts where adaptability and adjustment are needed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad timetable" is a noun phrase used to describe a flexible schedule or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more common in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, it's important to communicate a plan allowing for adjustments, avoiding it in situations demanding precise deadlines. Alternatives such as "general timeline" or "rough schedule" can be considered depending on the specific context. The phrase indicates an adaptable, rather than rigid, plan is in place. Ensure your choice aligns with the message you wish to convey about the timeline's flexibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general timeline

Replaces "timetable" with "timeline" emphasizing a visual representation of the schedule but maintains the general sense.

rough schedule

Substitutes "broad" with "rough", conveying a similar sense of imprecision and flexibility.

flexible plan

Replaces "timetable" with "plan" and "broad" with "flexible" highlighting adaptability.

approximate timeframe

Uses "timeframe" instead of "timetable" and "approximate" for "broad" indicating an estimated duration.

general schedule

Emphasizes the overall plan and replaces 'broad' with 'general' which communicates a similar meaning.

preliminary agenda

Suggests an initial, not fully defined, set of activities or topics, replacing "timetable" with "agenda".

tentative schedule

Indicates a schedule that is subject to change, swapping "broad" with "tentative".

high-level roadmap

Emphasizes the strategic overview rather than specific timing, replacing timetable with "roadmap".

overall framework

Shifts the focus to the structural organization instead of timing using "framework" instead of "timetable".

general outline

Conveys a simplified version of the plan, focusing on the main points. This swaps "timetable" for "outline".

FAQs

How can I use "a broad timetable" in a sentence?

You can use "a broad timetable" when describing a flexible schedule. For example: "The project will follow "a broad timetable", with room for adjustments as needed."

What are some alternatives to "a broad timetable"?

Alternatives include "general timeline", "rough schedule", or "flexible plan", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a broad timetable"?

It's appropriate to use "a broad timetable" during the initial stages of planning, when flexibility is needed, and specific dates are not yet determined. It is also useful when describing a plan that needs to be adaptable.

What's the difference between "a broad timetable" and "a strict timetable"?

"A broad timetable" implies flexibility and general timeframes, whereas "a strict timetable" indicates precise deadlines and less room for deviation.