a harsh schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harsh schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a schedule that is demanding, difficult, or requires a lot of effort and time. Example: "The team is struggling to keep up with a harsh schedule that demands long hours and tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While the Expos are owned by Major League Baseball, Commissioner Bud Selig's crew did not help them, giving them a harsh schedule that transformed them into vagabonds for almost a month.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The independent directors on Disney's board, who are gathered in New York at a regularly scheduled board meeting, issued a harsh response to Mr. Gold's criticisms.

The New York Times

That is a harsh judgment.

The New Yorker

Was Haig a harsh man?

Independent

A harsh wind was blowing.

The New York Times

This is a harsh environment.

Independent

What a harsh lesson.

The Guardian - Sport

Limelight brought with it a harsh backlash.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor is the play a harsh critique.

The New York Times

"My sister's a harsh critic.

The New Yorker

Smug alert Karma is a harsh mistress.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a time management plan that is difficult to adhere to, use "a harsh schedule" to convey the demanding and potentially unsustainable nature of the commitments. It's best used when emphasizing the negative impact of the schedule.

Common error

Avoid using "a harsh schedule" to describe a routine that is merely disciplined or structured. "Harsh" implies a level of severity that can be inappropriate if the schedule is not causing undue stress or difficulty. Alternatives like "demanding" or "structured" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harsh schedule" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a timetable or plan that is demanding, difficult, and potentially detrimental. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a harsh schedule" is a noun phrase that describes a demanding, difficult, and potentially detrimental timetable or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare in occurrence. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to convey criticism or concern about the difficulty and negative impact of a particular schedule. While suitable for general use, writers should be mindful of the potentially negative connotations and consider alternatives such as "a demanding schedule" or "a rigorous program" in more formal settings or when aiming for a less severe tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a demanding timetable

Replaces "schedule" with "timetable" and "harsh" with "demanding", emphasizing the rigorous requirements.

a tough agenda

Uses "agenda" to replace "schedule" and "tough" for "harsh", indicating a difficult set of activities.

a rigorous program

Substitutes "schedule" with "program" and "harsh" with "rigorous", highlighting the strict and thorough nature of the plan.

a tight schedule

Replaces "harsh" with "tight", indicating that the schedule is very full and doesn't allow much flexibility.

a brutal routine

Substitutes "schedule" with "routine" and "harsh" with "brutal", emphasizing the severe and unforgiving nature of the daily activities.

a grueling regimen

Replaces "schedule" with "regimen" and "harsh" with "grueling", emphasizing the exhausting and challenging aspects.

a stringent plan

Replaces "schedule" with "plan" and "harsh" with "stringent", highlighting the strictness and precision required.

a punishing workload

Changes the focus to the work involved, using "workload" instead of "schedule" and "punishing" for "harsh", highlighting the heavy burden.

an arduous itinerary

Uses "itinerary" for "schedule" and "arduous" for "harsh", emphasizing the difficult and tiring nature of the planned journey or activities.

an intense agenda

Uses "agenda" to replace "schedule" and "intense" for "harsh", indicating a packed and high-pressure set of activities.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a harsh schedule"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a demanding schedule", "a rigorous schedule", or "a tight schedule".

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

Use "a harsh schedule" when you want to emphasize the difficulty, intensity, and potentially negative impact of a particular timetable or set of commitments. It's suitable when the schedule is perceived as overly demanding or unsustainable.

Is "a harsh schedule" formal or informal?

"A harsh schedule" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in news and general writing. In highly formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "a stringent program" or "a demanding timetable".

What does "a harsh schedule" imply?

The phrase implies that the schedule is difficult to manage, requires a lot of effort, and may have negative consequences on well-being. It suggests a lack of flexibility and a high degree of pressure.