heavy schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy schedule" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a busy set of activities or tasks that require a lot of effort. For example: "With exams coming up and two extra-curricular activities to manage, the student was facing a heavy schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He did not have an unduly heavy schedule.

The New Yorker

We have such a heavy schedule every day.

The New York Times

"For us it is a very, very heavy schedule," Wenger lamented.

Independent

The Mavericks have held only two full practices since the trade because of a heavy schedule.

The New York Times

Mr. Paul's heavy schedule of appearances in South Carolina has followed a trying period for him.

The New York Times

The city's stadiums draw large crowds for a heavy schedule of events.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his interview, Vilanch said Franco's hosting stint had been damaged by his heavy schedule.

The Guardian - Film

His campaign cited Fox as a factor, as well as a heavy schedule.

The New York Times

A heavy schedule, according to Gough, explains why Kylie is not coming to Edinburgh as well.

The Guardian

Ms. Walker acknowledges that the heavy schedule is largely her own doing.

The New York Times

Congress returns to work this week with a heavy schedule of big issues to confront.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term commitments, use "heavy schedule" to convey a demanding but manageable plan. Avoid it when describing unsustainable overwork, where terms like "unsustainable workload" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "heavy schedule" sarcastically or ironically when someone actually has ample free time. This can confuse your audience and undermine your credibility. Instead, choose phrases like "surprisingly light schedule" or "unexpectedly free time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy schedule" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it often describes a demanding or busy period, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy schedule" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a demanding or busy period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates that someone or something has many commitments or tasks within a specific timeframe. Its usage is primarily seen in "News & Media", followed by "Wiki" and "Encyclopedias", with neutral register. To avoid misinterpretations, it's best to use it when the workload is actually significant. Consider using alternatives like "packed agenda" or "busy schedule" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Packed agenda

Refers more specifically to a list of items to be addressed during a meeting or event.

Demanding timetable

Emphasizes the rigorous requirements and constraints of the schedule.

Busy workload

Focuses on the amount of work to be done within a specific timeframe.

Tight agenda

Highlights the limited time available for each item or activity.

Full plate

An idiomatic expression signifying having many responsibilities or commitments.

Overloaded program

Suggests that the program is carrying too much work to properly function or be efficient.

Time-consuming obligations

Highlights how the obligations are consuming a lot of time.

Heavily committed

This describes the status of a person or a subject to be fully committed to a schedule.

Strenuous routine

Highlights that the routine is particularly demanding and requires significant effort.

Challenging commitments

Emphasizes the difficult aspects of the commitments.

FAQs

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

You can say, "Due to the project's tight deadline, the team is facing a "heavy schedule"" or "Despite her "heavy schedule", she still finds time for hobbies".

What are some alternatives to saying "heavy schedule"?

Consider using phrases like "busy schedule", "packed agenda", or "demanding timetable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "heavy schedule" or "busy schedule"?

"Heavy schedule" and "busy schedule" are often interchangeable, but "heavy" implies a greater sense of pressure and workload than simply "busy schedule".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "heavy schedule"?

Avoid using "heavy schedule" when describing a situation that is unsustainable or detrimental to well-being; in such cases, phrases like "overloaded schedule" or "unsustainable workload" might be more appropriate.