a rough schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

'a rough schedule' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a plan or timetable that is not exact or detailed. For example, "We have a rough schedule for the project, but we will likely need to make some changes as we go along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I'm attaching a rough schedule, as our readings after Capital vol 1 will depend on the general consensus of attendees.

University of California, Berkeley

Here is a rough schedule of today's key events: 10am: The report is received by the media.

The Guardian

In the discussion today, the two leaders agreed to a rough schedule of contacts between their top officials, and agreed to meet soon thereafter.

The New York Times

In the humdrum lies the breakthrough.The statement, which followed three days of talks in Islamabad, was a rough schedule for a series of bilateral meetings between officials, leading up to one between the two foreign ministers in August.

The Economist

Figuring out a rough schedule for your trip is key.

BBC

Try mapping out a rough schedule for the year in advance, covering one part of your goal each month — bedrooms in January, living room in February and so on.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

However, the result in [18] is obtained based on a rough scheduling scheme which is established traditional network coding rather than physical-layer network coding (the special properties of PNC are ignored).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

What's up? -- San Diego has had a relatively rough schedule so far.

Los Angeles Times

Decathletes close out the second day with a similarly rough schedule of 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1,500-meter 1,500-meter

Huffington Post

Fassel needs immediate unity because the Giants have a rough early schedule, beginning with a Monday night game at Denver.

The New York Times - Sports

The Jaguars may be 7-8, buthatat is largely because injuries and a rough early schedule caused them to lose six of their first eight games.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough schedule", follow it with specific details or caveats to manage expectations. For example: "We have a rough schedule, but the dates are subject to change based on resource availability."

Common error

Avoid treating a "rough schedule" as an excuse for disorganization. While it allows for flexibility, it should still be based on realistic estimates and logical sequencing to provide a useful framework.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough schedule" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing plans in various contexts, such as meetings, travel, and project management.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough schedule" is a noun phrase indicating a preliminary plan or timeline, often used when details are uncertain or subject to change. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, wikis, and academia. When using this phrase, set clear expectations about flexibility, and avoid equating it with a lack of planning. Consider alternatives like "approximate timeline" or "tentative plan" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate timeline

Focuses on the time aspect, indicating an estimated sequence of events.

a tentative plan

Emphasizes the plan's provisional nature, subject to change.

a preliminary agenda

Highlights the agenda's initial status, suggesting further refinement.

a basic outline

Focuses on the structural framework, implying a lack of detail.

a sketched itinerary

Refers specifically to travel arrangements, presented in a simplified manner.

a loose timetable

Emphasizes the flexibility and non-binding nature of the timing.

an initial roadmap

Conveys a high-level view of the project's progression.

a provisional timetable

Highlights the fact that the timing can be subject to changes.

a draft schedule

Highlights the schedule's preliminary status.

a high-level plan

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of the plan, lacking specific details.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough schedule" to indicate a plan that is not yet finalized. For example, "I've created "a rough schedule" for our trip, but we can adjust it as needed."

What's the difference between "a rough schedule" and "a detailed schedule"?

"A rough schedule" provides a general timeline without specific details, while "a detailed schedule" includes precise information about each task and its timing.

What can I say instead of "a rough schedule"?

You can use alternatives like "an approximate timeline", "a tentative plan", or "a preliminary agenda" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a rough schedule"?

It's appropriate to use "a rough schedule" when the exact timing or sequence of events is uncertain or subject to change. This is common in early planning stages or projects with many variables.