a complicated schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complicated schedule" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a schedule or timetable that is complex, difficult to understand, or has many conflicting elements. Example: "The project manager had to juggle a complicated schedule with multiple deadlines and overlapping tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If you and your partner have a complicated schedule, a private class may work best for you.

WikiHow

A complicated schedule allows each family to have the painting for at least one fall, one winter, one spring, and one summer.

The New Yorker

He now works a complicated schedule: Two 9-hour days, then 48 hours off, then two 15-hour nights followed by 72 hours off.

Forbes

Mark Penn, who emphasized he is not part of the campaign, said, "She has a complicated schedule, and looks at her watch hundreds of times a day, so getting one time wrong is no big deal".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Such a complicated scheduling problem is far out of the ability of a heuristic algorithm to handle.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Many New York private schools have had complicated schedules for years, and more are now adopting them.

The New York Times

Chang's bet is that there's a slot for an app that can replace the chief of staff role, which many executives have in order to manage their complicated schedules and lives.

TechCrunch

Complicated scheduling characteristics frequently make it difficult for surgical residents to undergo formal assessment; actually having the time and opportunity to remediate poor performance is an even greater problem.

Journal of Surgical Education

The constraint programming engine software integrates multiple techniques in operations research (OR), artificial intelligence (AI) and graph theory (Rossi et al. 2006) for solving complicated scheduling problems with efficiency and cost-effectiveness (Bockmayr and Hooker 2003).

Visualization in Engineering

Details are scant otherwise, and Day, McElhenney and the rest of the Sunny gang are set to return for a 14th season of that show, which could complicate scheduling.

TechCrunch

No, just glued to their personal laptops — a violation of airline policy — to figure out together a complicated new pilot scheduling system while their Airbus A-320 flew on autopilot with 144 passengers on board.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complicated schedule" to describe recurring or established timetables. For one-off situations, describing something as "complicated" can imply disorganization rather than inherent complexity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a schedule is "complicated" without explaining why. Without context, the reader may assume the schedule is poorly planned rather than inherently complex due to external factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated schedule" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "complicated" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "schedule". According to Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct construction, and its use across various contexts confirms its acceptability. The examples show it describing personal, professional, and organizational timelines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complicated schedule" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a timetable that is difficult to manage or understand, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, with "complicated" acting as an adjective modifying "schedule". Its primary purpose is to convey the complexity of a schedule, often implying the need for careful planning or special consideration. The phrase is suitable for a neutral register, appearing in both professional and informal contexts, with frequent use in news and media, scientific publications, and general discussions. While alternatives like "demanding timetable" or "intricate plan" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity, and consider specifying the reasons for the schedule's complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A demanding timetable

Focuses on the rigorous nature of the schedule.

An intricate plan

Highlights the detailed and interwoven aspects of the schedule.

A hectic agenda

Emphasizes the busyness and fast pace of the schedule.

A complex arrangement

Stresses the structural complexity of the schedule.

A packed itinerary

Highlights the fullness and limited free time within the schedule.

A multifaceted program

Suggests the schedule includes many different aspects.

A tight schedule

Focuses on the limited time available and the need to adhere strictly to the plan.

An overwhelming roster

Conveys a sense of being burdened by the number of tasks or events in the schedule.

A difficult to manage schedule

Emphasizes the challenges in overseeing or coordinating the schedule.

A convoluted timetable

Highlights the confusing or tangled nature of the schedule.

FAQs

How can I use "a complicated schedule" in a sentence?

You can use "a complicated schedule" to describe a timetable that is complex and difficult to manage. For example: "Due to numerous international commitments, the CEO maintains "a complicated schedule"."

What are some alternatives to "a complicated schedule"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a demanding timetable", "an intricate plan", or "a hectic agenda".

Is it better to say "a complex schedule" or "a complicated schedule"?

Both "complex" and "complicated" can be used to describe schedules. "Complex" suggests many interconnected parts, while "complicated" often implies difficulty in understanding or managing. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a schedule "complicated"?

A schedule can be "complicated" due to various factors, such as overlapping appointments, conflicting deadlines, multiple locations, or the need to coordinate with many different people. For instance, coordinating travel arrangements for a large conference can result in "a complicated schedule".