a difficult schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a timetable or plan that is challenging to manage or adhere to due to its complexity or demands. Example: "With back-to-back meetings and tight deadlines, I find myself struggling to keep up with a difficult schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Panthers have a difficult schedule remaining.

The Guardian - Sport

And the undefeated Colts have a difficult schedule ahead.

The New York Times

Given such a difficult schedule, it will be difficult for the Thrashers to move up.

The New York Times

And perhaps fitting for the Tar Heels, who have played a difficult schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

If U.C.L.A. is to win the conference title, it will have to survive a difficult schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

2) Cincinnati (6-2) sitsrisingly sits atop the A.F.C. North, but it has a difficult schedule coming up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Online classes can help you get ahead, but they can also put a strain on an already difficult schedule.

WikiHow

A good year meant lower draft picks and a more difficult schedule.

Forbes

"They are responding admirably to a very difficult schedule".

The New York Times

"It's a very difficult schedule to administer.

The New York Times

Next year will come with increased expectations and a more difficult schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult schedule", be specific about what makes it challenging. Instead of just stating it's difficult, mention the long hours, tight deadlines, or conflicting commitments.

Common error

While "a difficult schedule" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "demanding timetable" or "challenging agenda" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult schedule" functions as a noun phrase, with "difficult" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "schedule". It describes the characteristic of a schedule.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult schedule" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe a challenging timetable or plan. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across various news and media sources. While the phrase is valid, consider using alternative phrases like "a challenging schedule" or "a demanding timetable" to add variety to your writing. Remember to specify what makes the schedule difficult, such as long hours or tight deadlines, for clarity. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging schedule

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the schedule.

a demanding timetable

Substitutes "schedule" with "timetable" and "difficult" with "demanding", highlighting the effort required.

a rigorous agenda

Uses "rigorous" to denote a strict and inflexible schedule, suggesting intensity.

a tough program

Replaces schedule with program and difficult with tough, emphasizing the hardship associated with the schedule

a hectic routine

Replaces "schedule" with "routine" and "difficult" with "hectic", focusing on the chaotic nature of the schedule.

a tight schedule

Uses "tight" to describe a schedule with little flexibility or free time.

an overloaded calendar

Emphasizes the excessive number of commitments in the schedule.

a taxing workload

Focuses on the burden and strain imposed by the schedule.

an inconvenient arrangement

Highlights the disruptive or problematic aspects of the schedule.

a burdensome obligation

Emphasizes the compulsory and onerous nature of the schedule.

FAQs

How can I describe the impact of "a difficult schedule" on someone?

You can describe its impact by saying it "causes stress", "leads to burnout", or "requires significant sacrifices depending on the specific consequences of "a difficult schedule"".

What's the difference between "a tight schedule" and "a difficult schedule"?

"A tight schedule" implies limited time and little flexibility, while "a difficult schedule" suggests the tasks themselves or the overall workload are challenging, regardless of time constraints.

Is "a difficult schedule" the same as "a challenging schedule"?

While similar, "a challenging schedule" often implies the difficulty presents an opportunity for growth or development, while "a difficult schedule" simply emphasizes the hardship or burden.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a difficult schedule"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a timetable or plan is hard to manage, adhere to, or complete successfully due to its complexity, demands, or other hindering factors.