on schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the progress of something being completed on time, within the planned timeline. For example: "We have been working hard to ensure that the project remains on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were desperate to keep on schedule".

Huffington Post

Through one day, things are on schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

They're on schedule.

The New York Times

Is that project on schedule?

The New York Times

So he's right on schedule".

The New York Times - Sports

They are right on schedule.

The New York Times

The operation began on schedule.

The New Yorker

"He's on schedule," Hamilton said.

The New York Times - Sports

Subways ran on schedule.

The New York Times

We're on schedule.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

PO: It's on-schedule.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on schedule", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific plan or timetable is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The construction project is on schedule for completion by December."

Common error

Avoid using "on schedule" interchangeably with terms like "on time" or "as planned" if the project involves stages and dependencies. "On schedule" implies adherence to a detailed, step-by-step timeline, while "on time" simply refers to meeting a deadline. Using the right term improves clarity and prevents misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on schedule" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or process is progressing according to a predetermined timeline. As per Ludwig AI, this implies adherence to a specific plan.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on schedule" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is progressing according to plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various fields, from news and media to science and general communication. While alternatives like "on time" or "as planned" exist, "on schedule" emphasizes adherence to a detailed timeline. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase, and avoid confusing it with similar terms that might not capture the same nuance of structured progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on time

More general term for meeting a specific deadline; interchangeable in many contexts but lacks the emphasis on a structured plan.

as planned

Focuses on adherence to an initial plan, implying that the process unfolded according to expectations.

according to plan

Similar to "as planned", but offers a slightly more formal tone.

on track

Indicates progress toward a goal, suggesting that the project or activity is moving in the right direction.

running on time

Emphasizes the active progress of a process or event, particularly regarding a planned duration.

within the deadline

Highlights meeting a specific end date or timeframe.

as per the schedule

Adds a formal tone and emphasizes a documented or agreed-upon timetable.

meeting the timeline

Focuses on adhering to the specified duration for a project or task.

proceeding as expected

Highlights that the progress aligns with initial predictions or expectations, with more flexibility than a precise schedule.

in accordance with the timetable

Formal and precise, stressing compliance with a pre-set plan and deadlines.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to be "on schedule"?

Being "on schedule" means that an event or project is progressing according to its planned timetable or deadline. It indicates that milestones are being met as expected.

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

You can use "on schedule" to describe the progress of a project or event. For example, "The building construction is "on schedule" for completion in June".

What is a good alternative to "on schedule"?

Alternatives to "on schedule" include "on time", "as planned", or "on track". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "on time" and "on schedule"?

While both terms relate to timeliness, "on time" usually refers to a single event meeting a deadline, while "on schedule" implies consistent progress along a detailed plan. A train might be "on time" for its arrival, but a complex project is more likely to be described as "on schedule".