on a fixed schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a fixed schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or activity that occurs at regular, predetermined intervals. Example: "The train runs on a fixed schedule, departing every hour on the hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Ten years later, the Black Ball Line advertised that one of its ships would sail on a fixed schedule, a change that transformed the shipping industry.

The New York Times

Simply providing humans with 50 mg/kg/body weight of VC in one or few doses (oral or other) on a fixed schedule will not replicate the sufficiency seen in normal mammals.

Cell Death and Disease

Ms. Pelosi said she envisioned more regular meetings with her Republican counterparts, though not on a fixed schedule.

The New York Times

But he finally finds a laundry that operates on a fixed schedule & willing to pick up & deliver his things to the automobile sales garage below his apartment.

The New Yorker

I don't know whether it's a requirement that principal on this type of loan get paid out on a fixed schedule.

The New York Times

Or benefits and premiums that increased over time on a fixed schedule, so younger workers could pay less initially, then more as their income increased.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The same stems were used to name the 10 days (or suns) of the week, and ancestors received cult on their name days according to a fixed schedule, particularly after the reforms of Zujia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the present water deficient environment of the Indus basin, the benefits of the on-demand schedule and a fixed schedule are comparable.

Agricultural Water Management

This can be based on context information (if available) or a fixed schedule can be chosen.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

For a fixed schedule, the weighted rate-sum maximization problem reduces on a per-tone basis.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

I never keep a fixed schedule.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing recurring events or tasks, use "on a fixed schedule" to clearly indicate a predetermined and consistent timeframe. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "on a fixed schedule" when you mean something is inflexible or unyielding. While a fixed schedule implies consistency, rigidity suggests an inability to adapt or change. Use "inflexible schedule" or "rigid timetable" to convey the sense of unyieldingness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a fixed schedule" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or regularity of an action or event. This phrase provides information about when or how often something occurs, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a fixed schedule" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that events or actions occur regularly and predictably according to a predetermined timetable. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase, providing information about timing and regularity. This phrase is commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and business, and is generally considered grammatically correct. While alternatives such as "at regular intervals" or "according to a set timetable" exist, "on a fixed schedule" remains a clear and widely understood option. When employing the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the consistent and predetermined nature of the schedule being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to a set timetable

Emphasizes a pre-arranged and unchangeable plan, highlighting the structured aspect.

at regular intervals

Focuses on the consistent spacing of events in time, rather than the schedule itself.

on a predetermined timetable

Highlights that the timetable has been decided in advance, reinforcing the lack of flexibility.

at scheduled times

A more direct and concise way to express that events happen when planned.

according to a prearranged plan

Highlights that the arrangement of the schedule has been made previously.

following a defined routine

Emphasizes the repetitive and habitual nature of the schedule.

on a recurring basis

Focuses on the repeated nature of the schedule's occurrences.

as per a structured agenda

Highlights the organized and formalized aspect of the schedule.

by appointment

Focuses on time management using appointment, more personalized and less systematic.

in accordance with the timetable

Implies obedience with external rules and regulation, not always explicit, for example in a company.

FAQs

How can I use "on a fixed schedule" in a sentence?

You can use "on a fixed schedule" to describe any event or activity that occurs regularly at predetermined intervals. For example: "The bus operates "on a fixed schedule", departing every 30 minutes."

What are some alternatives to "on a fixed schedule"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "at regular intervals", "according to a set timetable", or "at scheduled times".

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

Yes, "on a fixed schedule" is appropriate for formal writing. It's clear, concise, and widely understood in business, academic, and other professional contexts.

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

"On a fixed schedule" implies that events occur at predetermined, regular times, whereas "on a flexible schedule" suggests that the timing of events can be adjusted or varied.