on a predetermined schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a predetermined schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is done at certain times, usually according to a plan or a set of rules. For example: "The company's employees must complete their weekly tasks on a predetermined schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Hammond thinks she can help avoid implant-site infections, thanks to a novel method for coating implants with very thin layers of several drugs that can be engineered to dissolve into the body on a predetermined schedule.

MIT Technology Review

More important, nanotechnology may enable drugs to be delivered to precisely the right location in the body and to release drug doses on a predetermined schedule for optimal treatment.

Britannica

In Azerbaijan, after much wrangling, the IMF ensured that the early oil bonus payments and revenues go into a special account at the central bank, and are then kept in dollars abroad until they are fed into the budget on a predetermined schedule.

The Economist

Traditional agriculture is based on performing particular tasks, such as planting and harvesting, based on a predetermined schedule.

TechCrunch

That's going to function like Grand Central for your money, with cash coming and going on a predetermined schedule.

Forbes

METHODS: Prospective, observational study of 160 HZ outpatients age > or =60 at 4 US study sites who completed the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI), Zoster Impact Questionnaire (ZIQ), McGill Pain Questionnaire, EuroQol, and SF-12 questionnaires on a predetermined schedule.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

3 According to the Government, the incidence of illegal transportation of aliens on certain roads is predictable, and the roving searches are apparently planned in advance or carried out according to a predetermined schedule.

Cornell University

Rally, also spelled rallye, automobile competition over a specified public route with a driver and navigator attempting to keep to a predetermined schedule between checkpoints.

Britannica

Adherence to a predetermined schedule, a matter of vital importance in space navigation in connection with fuel consumption, has become important in sea and air navigation for a different reason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We begin with a simple connection model, in which connections occur only once according to a predetermined schedule.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In this regard, the proper dosage of ACPN should be injected intravenously into a mouse bearing glioma xenograft, according to a predetermined schedule.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing recurring events, using "on a predetermined schedule" helps clarify the structured nature of the timing. For instance, "Medications were administered to patients on a predetermined schedule to ensure consistent dosage intervals."

Common error

Avoid using "on a predetermined schedule" when referring to spontaneous or unscheduled activities. It's more appropriate for describing structured routines, not events that occur randomly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a predetermined schedule" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs, adverbs or adjectives to specify when or how often an action occurs. It provides information about the timing of an event or activity, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a predetermined schedule" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that an action or event occurs according to a pre-established plan. It functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the timing of events across diverse contexts from news and media to scientific research and academic studies. While schedules inherently involve planning, "predetermined" emphasizes that the plan was set in advance and is not easily changed. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase correctly conveys structured timing. Remember to avoid using this phrase for unplanned, spontaneous events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to a set timetable

Replaces "schedule" with "timetable" and uses "according to" for a slightly more formal tone.

following a defined program

Substitutes "predetermined schedule" with "defined program", emphasizing the planned aspect.

as per an established plan

Uses "established plan" instead of "predetermined schedule" highlighting the formal and agreed-upon nature of the plan.

on a prearranged timeline

Replaces "schedule" with "timeline", focusing on the temporal aspect of the arrangement.

according to a fixed itinerary

Uses "itinerary" which is more specific to travel or planned routes, making it suitable in those contexts.

based on a structured agenda

Replaces schedule with "agenda" emphasizing structured events or meetings.

as dictated by a preset plan

Replaces predetermined schedule with "preset plan" and adds "as dictated by" suggesting less flexibility.

observing a planned sequence

Shifts the focus to the act of "observing" the schedule, implying adherence to it.

in accordance with a pre-set arrangement

Uses "pre-set arrangement" instead of "predetermined schedule", which is a bit more formal.

following a prespecified order

Replaces schedule with "order" emphasizing the sequence rather than timing.

FAQs

What does "on a predetermined schedule" mean?

The phrase "on a predetermined schedule" refers to activities or events that occur according to a plan established in advance, specifying when each action should take place.

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

You can use "on a predetermined schedule" to describe when something happens regularly and predictably. For example, "The waste collection service operates "on a fixed schedule", ensuring timely removal of refuse".

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

Alternatives include "according to a set timetable", "following a defined program", or "as per an established plan", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "predetermined schedule" since schedules are inherently planned?

While schedules generally imply planning, "predetermined" emphasizes that the schedule was set in advance and is not subject to immediate alteration. It highlights the rigidity or pre-planned nature of the timing.