a tough timetable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough timetable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a schedule that is difficult to adhere to or manage due to its demanding nature. Example: "With so many deadlines approaching, we are facing a tough timetable for completing the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Talks are to resume in Beijing in November, with administration officials saying they intend to present a tough timetable for dismantlement of the North's nuclear programs and for inspections of the work.

The New York Times

It is a tough timetable, but industry observers agree that if Airbus can stick to it, then the European aerospace giant could well steal a significant march on its US rival in the years ahead.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Spain announced a detailed timetable for economic reforms and a tough 2013 budget based mostly on spending cuts.

The New York Times

It seems to me that as we talk about withdrawal from Iraq, a US timetable is a precondition to bringing in other countries in the region by having a tough, smart diplomacy.

Huffington Post

"A tough, tough group".

Independent

The accelerated timetable answers calls from pro-trade members of Congress who have urged the Clinton administration to push for an early vote despite mounting signs that it will be a tough sell in an election year.

The New York Times

It's a tough career.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

The culture secretary, Maria Miller, will meet with victims on Friday, and on Tuesday she will hold a round table with editors of national newspapers and some proprietors to press them to draw up a timetable for a tougher self-regulatory model than the one they had proposed to Leveson.

The Guardian

The company is expected to tell treasury officials it had warned the state last year that the timetable was too strict, and problems were possible if a tougher inspection process was set into motion on Dec. 13.

The New York Times

3. It's a process without a timetable.

Huffington Post

Make a chart or a "Timetable.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough timetable", ensure the context clearly indicates the challenges involved in meeting the schedule. Provide specific examples to illustrate the difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough timetable" when the schedule is merely busy, but realistically achievable. Reserve this phrase for situations with genuine and significant challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough timetable" functions as a noun phrase, where 'tough' is an adjective modifying 'timetable'. It typically serves to describe or characterize the nature of the schedule being discussed, indicating its difficulty or demanding aspects. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tough timetable" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a schedule that is challenging and demanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to characterize the nature of a plan, emphasizing potential difficulties. It is most commonly found in News & Media but appears across various contexts, maintaining a neutral register. For those seeking alternative expressions, options like "a demanding schedule" or "a challenging timeline" offer similar meanings while providing variety in wording. Despite its relative infrequency, "a tough timetable" remains a valid and useful phrase for communicating the difficulty of adhering to a specific schedule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a demanding schedule

Emphasizes the high requirements and workload of the schedule.

a challenging timeline

Highlights the difficulty in meeting the deadlines.

a strict schedule

Focuses on the rigidity and lack of flexibility in the timetable.

a tight deadline

Highlights the limited time available.

a hard timeline

Similar to "a tough timetable", emphasizing the difficulty.

a rigorous program

Stresses the thoroughness and intensity of the scheduled activities.

an ambitious timeframe

Suggests the timetable sets high goals within a limited duration.

a pressing timeline

Highlights the urgency and immediate nature of the schedule.

a strenuous schedule

Emphasizes the effort and energy required to follow the timetable.

an exacting plan

Focuses on the precise and detailed nature of the schedule.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a tough timetable" in a sentence?

Use "a tough timetable" to describe a schedule that is challenging to meet due to various constraints, such as limited resources, tight deadlines, or complex tasks. For example: "With so many deadlines approaching, we are facing "a tough timetable" for completing the project."

What are some alternatives to "a tough timetable"?

You can use alternatives like "a demanding schedule", "a challenging timeline", or "a strict schedule" depending on the specific context.

Is "a tough timetable" formal or informal?

"A tough timetable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience. In very formal settings, "a demanding schedule" or "a challenging timeline" might be preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "a tough timetable"?

It's appropriate when the schedule requires significant effort, resources, or sacrifices to meet the deadlines. If the schedule is merely busy but achievable without undue stress, a milder term might be more suitable.