keep to the timetable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep to the timetable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to adhering to a schedule or plan, ensuring that tasks are completed on time. Example: "To ensure the project is completed on time, we must keep to the timetable we established at the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's easier to keep to the timetable and expedite changes -- and it virtually eliminates the need for do-overs or long delays while disputes get ironed out".

The New York Times

In fact, the opposite is the case: the best way to ensure that we keep to the timetable is to designate a top commander who will closely follow the lead of his commander in chief.

The New York Times

Christina Rees, from Women and the Church, said she was "deeply disappointed" by the failure to keep to the timetable and warned that an imminent shake-up in General Synod membership could threaten the prospect of having women bishops.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Without them we surely could not have kept to the timetable and produced a genuine compromise in time for first reading.

EU Parlament

And it is still not yet a safe bet that Russia's beleaguered power-wielders will keep to the prescribed timetable.

The Economist

He is in denial about the decision to keep to the current timetable for the Constitutional convention, which is a clear indicator of their intentions, including their readiness to employ new institutions or arrangements, separate from the present treaties.

The Guardian

"The arrival of the tram has been a long time coming and we must make sure we keep to the agreed timetable for the town centre route as it is central to our future prospects".

BBC

In order to try to keep to the MO timetable, Takagi was forced to abandon the delivery mission after the second attempt and directed his force towards the Solomon Islands to refuel.

Wikipedia

Now it is unclear whether the department will keep to that timetable.

The New York Times

To keep to this timetable, it would have to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.

The New Yorker

Mr Osborne says he intends to keep to this timetable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When managing projects, clearly communicate the importance of "keep to the timetable" to ensure all team members understand deadlines and expectations. This fosters accountability and helps prevent delays.

Common error

While both terms refer to planned activities, "timetable" often implies a more rigid and detailed plan, especially concerning time. Avoid using "timetable" loosely when a simple "schedule" would suffice, as this can create confusion about the level of commitment required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep to the timetable" functions as a directive phrase, urging adherence to a planned schedule. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts requiring timely completion of tasks and projects. It sets an expectation for maintaining order and predictability in operations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep to the timetable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that emphasizes adherence to a schedule. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To enhance your writing, remember to use it when stressing the importance of meeting deadlines and maintaining order. For alternatives, consider phrases like ""adhere to the schedule"" or "stick to the plan". Avoiding confusion with similar terms like "schedule" and appreciating the phrase's emphasis on detailed planning will ensure its effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the schedule

Replaces 'keep' with 'adhere', emphasizing a more formal compliance.

stick to the plan

Substitutes 'timetable' with 'plan', making it less specific to time.

follow the timeline

Uses 'follow' instead of 'keep' and 'timeline' instead of 'timetable', focusing on progression.

maintain the schedule

Employs 'maintain' to stress the act of preserving the established timetable.

observe the deadline

Shifts the focus to meeting the final target date.

meet the milestones

Focuses on achieving specific points within the overall timetable.

remain on track

A more general phrase indicating progress according to schedule.

stay within the allotted time

Emphasizes confinement within the prescribed duration.

be punctual

Focuses on timeliness in a general sense.

respect the schedule

Highlights the importance of valuing and following the established plan.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "keep to the timetable" in a sentence?

Use "keep to the timetable" to emphasize the importance of adhering to a predefined schedule, especially when coordinating complex activities or managing deadlines. For example: "It's crucial to "adhere to the schedule" if we want to launch the product on time".

What are some alternatives to saying "keep to the timetable"?

You can use alternatives such as "stick to the plan", "follow the timeline", or "remain on track" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it more appropriate to say "keep to the timetable" or "keep to the schedule"?

While both are acceptable, "timetable" often implies a more detailed and structured plan, typically associated with specific times. "Schedule" is a more general term. Choose the one that best reflects the specificity of the plan you're referring to. If uncertain, the phrase ""adhere to the schedule"" is also a great alternative.

What's the difference between "keep to the timetable" and "meet the milestones"?

"Keep to the timetable" refers to adhering to the overall schedule, while "meet the milestones" focuses on achieving specific checkpoints within that schedule. You can keep to the timetable by ensuring each milestone is met on time.