a tough schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tough schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a schedule that is difficult, time-consuming, or full of arduous tasks. For example: "The trainees had to adhere to a tough schedule of training exercises to prepare for the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's been a tough schedule so far".

The New York Times - Sports

Orlando's got a tough schedule coming up.

The New York Times - Sports

"Obviously it's a tough schedule on the front end.

The New York Times - Sports

But that seems optimistic with a tough schedule.

The New York Times

Oakland played a tough schedule, including road games against No. 1 seeds Syracuse and Kansas.

The New York Times - Sports

Utah, 3-7 itsits last 10 games, has been hampered by a tough schedule.

The New York Times

"I had a big opponent and a tough schedule that I couldn't deal with.

Independent

"I'm rewarding the guys that have been grinding through a tough schedule," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

But a tough schedule will keep the Packers from a division title.

The New York Times

"We had a tough schedule against Stanford, Memphis, Boise State, Syracuse.

The New York Times

We play a tough schedule and the kids respond to the challenge".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough schedule" to convey the demanding nature of a task or period. It implies that extra effort and resilience are required to manage it successfully.

Common error

While "a tough schedule" is acceptable, avoid overuse by varying your language. Consider synonyms like "demanding agenda" or "challenging itinerary" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough schedule" functions as a noun phrase, with "tough" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "schedule". This phrase typically describes a demanding or challenging timetable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough schedule" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a demanding timetable or workload. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, and formal business contexts, it conveys challenges effectively. For alternatives, consider "demanding agenda" or "challenging itinerary" to avoid repetition. When using this phrase, specify what makes the schedule difficult for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a demanding agenda

Focuses on the demanding nature of the schedule.

a challenging itinerary

Emphasizes the difficulty and complexity involved.

a rigorous program

Highlights the strictness and intensity of the schedule.

a packed timetable

Focuses on the fullness and lack of free time in the schedule.

a grueling routine

Stresses the exhausting and physically demanding aspect.

an arduous workload

Emphasizes the heavy amount of work involved.

a taxing regimen

Highlights the strain and burden imposed by the schedule.

a heavy workload

Implies a large amount of work needs to be done in the schedule.

a hectic pace

Focuses on the fast and chaotic nature of the schedule.

a stringent timeline

Emphasizes the strict deadlines and time constraints.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough schedule" to describe a demanding timetable. For instance, "The team faced a tough schedule due to the numerous project deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "a tough schedule"?

Alternatives include "demanding agenda", "challenging itinerary", or "rigorous program", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tough schedule" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tough schedule" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing workload or project timelines. However, consider more precise language if available.

What makes a schedule "tough"?

A schedule can be considered "tough" due to factors such as tight deadlines, numerous tasks, high workload, or limited resources, requiring significant effort and resilience.