a firm schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

'a firm schedule' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fixed, predetermined timetable. For example, "I like to stick to a firm schedule to keep myself organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He scheduled another hearing for Friday to set a firm schedule.

The New York Times

If there was a firm schedule to depart, replacing khaki helmets with blue berets under UN control, things would immediately change.

The Economist

According to reports, they are not only seeking a much bigger cut in troop numbers this year up to 8,000 than the armed forces hoped to get away with; Mr Obama's men also want a firm schedule for reversing the rest of the surge, preferably well before election day.Their case is strengthened by the growing discontent over the war.

The Economist

The series was freelance-edited by Louise Simonson, and without a firm schedule, which provided Adams the time he needed to complete it.

Wikipedia

While I had always had a firm schedule for when to finish my homework and be in bed, most of my friends didn't.

Huffington Post

Richard Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California, Irvine, argued in a blog post that rather than being a straight win for one side or the other, the Supreme Court's move is simply an attempt to put the otherwise conservative 5th Circuit on a firm schedule.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In certain parts of the world there might not be any firm schedule and when the bus arrives, the driver may decide to wait for more riders which may take some hours.

WikiHow

Federal rules set a firm contribution schedule, with deadlines and penalties for companies that fall behind.

The New York Times

Last month, the Center for a New American Security, which has become something like Obama's foreign-policy think tank, released a report that argued against a timetable for withdrawal, regardless of the state of the war, and in favor of "conditional engagement," declaring, "Under this strategy, the United States would not withdraw its forces based on a firm unilateral schedule.

The New Yorker

Through observations gained from their focus group study on multidisciplinary student teams, they concluded several recommendations for future interdisciplinary BIM courses: (a) impose a firm time schedule, (b) enforce verified software combinations, (c) set clear rules and responsibilities, and (d) design same input (course credits) for same course output among multidisciplinary students.

Visualization in Engineering

And without a firm homework schedule, procrastination escalates to the nth degree.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects or events, establish "a firm schedule" early to ensure all participants understand deadlines and milestones. This promotes accountability and helps prevent delays.

Common error

While "a firm schedule" implies commitment, avoid making it so inflexible that it cannot accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Build in contingency time for unexpected delays.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm schedule" functions as a noun phrase that describes a timetable or plan that is well-established and not easily changed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm schedule" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that describes a structured, well-defined timetable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Key considerations include recognizing its emphasis on commitment while avoiding rigidity. When using "a firm schedule", it's essential to strike a balance between structure and adaptability. Alternatives include "a strict timetable" or "a fixed plan".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strict timetable

Emphasizes the rigidity and lack of flexibility.

a fixed plan

Highlights the unchanging nature of the arrangement.

a set program

Focuses on a pre-defined series of actions or events.

a rigid agenda

Implies a structured list of items or activities.

a tight agenda

Conveys a schedule that is full and leaves little room for extra activities.

a prearranged plan

Stresses that the schedule was organized in advance.

a well-defined routine

Highlights the habitual and consistent nature of the schedule.

a precise itinerary

Suitable for travel-related contexts, emphasizing accurate timing.

a confirmed arrangement

Focuses on the secure and agreed-upon nature of the schedule.

a concrete commitment

Highlights a firm agreement to a specific timetable

FAQs

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

"A firm schedule" can be used to describe a structured and fixed timetable, such as: "The project requires "a firm schedule" to meet all deadlines" or "She maintains "a firm schedule" to balance work and personal life".

What are some alternatives to "a firm schedule"?

Alternatives to "a firm schedule" include "a strict timetable", "a fixed plan", or "a set program" depending on the context.

Is it better to have "a firm schedule" or a flexible one?

Whether "a firm schedule" or a flexible one is better depends on individual needs and circumstances. "A firm schedule" promotes discipline and efficiency, while a flexible schedule allows for adaptability to unexpected events.

What does it mean to "stick to a firm schedule"?

To "stick to a firm schedule" means to adhere closely to a pre-determined timetable, ensuring tasks are completed as planned without significant deviations.