at a schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a schedule" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct expression would be "on a schedule." Example: "We need to ensure that we are on a schedule to meet the project deadline."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I can't recall the last time I looked at a schedule and thought "Blimey!

The Guardian

There, too, though, the Indians would be at a schedule disadvantage.

The New York Times - Sports

"With the subways, we leave when we want to leave instead of looking at a schedule," Mr. Leeds said.

The New York Times

He added, "He works at a schedule that he sets, and we encourage the amount of his output because there is a readership that wants it".

The New York Times - Arts

"We are looking at a schedule that makes the most sense for our players and makes the most sense for our partners.

The Guardian - Sport

"Look, Aaron gives us 22 episodes a year, not 13, and he gives it to us at a schedule that we set".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Woods will discuss his chances at a scheduled news conference Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Strahan would be entering his 15th season at a scheduled salary of $4 million.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever was expected Wednesday, the spokeswoman added, would be announced at a scheduled news conference.

The New York Times

Mr. Rybkin did not appear at a scheduled news conference on Friday, his aides said.

The New York Times

30 April: Miliband reacts to this by arriving at a scheduled photocall at a Shropshire infant school in a military helicopter, with a tin helmet under his arm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to adhering to a timetable, use the phrase "on a schedule" instead of "at a schedule". This is the grammatically correct and widely accepted form in standard English.

Common error

A common mistake is using "at" instead of "on" when referring to timetables. Always use "on a schedule" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a schedule" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically intended to indicate adherence or alignment with a predetermined timetable or plan. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at a schedule" appears in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect, suggesting that "on a schedule" is the correct alternative. Although it's frequent, especially in News & Media and Science contexts, it is recommended to use more accepted alternatives such as "according to a schedule" or "following a schedule" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing. Always prefer "on a schedule" in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a schedule

Employs 'on' to indicate adherence to a timetable, offering a grammatically correct and commonly used alternative.

following a schedule

Replaces 'at' with 'following', highlighting the act of adhering to a set timetable.

keeping to a schedule

Emphasizes the effort to maintain alignment with a timetable, framing it as a sustained commitment.

according to a schedule

Uses 'according to' to specify adherence to a predetermined timetable, providing a more formal tone.

adhering to a schedule

Highlights the act of sticking rigidly to a timetable, shifting focus to the active maintenance of adherence.

as per the schedule

Substitutes 'at' with 'as per', adding a touch of formality and direct reference to the timetable.

in accordance with a schedule

Offers a formal alternative, stressing compliance with the stipulations of a timetable.

by a schedule

Uses 'by' to indicate guidance by the timetable, altering the prepositional relationship while maintaining core meaning.

within a schedule

Suggests operating inside the constraints or parameters of a timetable, broadening the application.

subject to a schedule

Presents the concept of being governed or regulated by a timetable, altering the relationship from action to condition.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "at a schedule"?

The correct way to express adherence to a timetable is to use the phrase "on a schedule".

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

You can use alternatives such as "according to a schedule" or "following a schedule" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "at a schedule"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The standard English expression is "on a schedule".

What's the difference between "at a schedule" and "on a schedule"?

"At a schedule" is generally considered incorrect. The correct preposition to use is "on", so you should say "on a schedule".