on their timetable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on their timetable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone else's schedule or plan for completing tasks or events. Example: "The project will be completed on their timetable, which allows for flexibility in deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We cannot meet people's expectations on their timetable," the official said.

The New York Times

The companies can now focus on their timetable for repaying their debt to taxpayers, $117.1 billion for Fannie Mae.

The New York Times

Senior Pakistani politicians and commanders, including Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the army chief of staff, say their troops are already stretched thin and will carry out an offensive in North Waziristan on their timetable, not Washington's.

The New York Times

In 1998, however, when John D. Anderson of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and his colleagues discovered that the spacecraft were running a little late on their timetable to eternity, it seemed as if general relativity might be up for grabs — allowing the news media to ask their favorite science question: Was Einstein wrong?

The New York Times - Science

For the 80% of cabs in San Francisco that also use Flywheel's software, the decision to convert to TaxiOS will be based on their timetable.

TechCrunch

Players overwhelmingly prefer to play their games on their timetable for their fun, and this is why every single successful online game facilitates this.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Most yoga studios carry mysore sessions on their timetables, but many people are put off either because they don't know what it is or they don't fancy the idea of a three-hour class that starts at 6.30am.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Norman Baker, the rail minister, is writing to the main train operating companies to ask them to highlight crowded trains on their timetables so that passengers have the option of choosing alternative services.

The Guardian

Can you afford to place your organizations at competitive risk if you don't manage these impacts and governments pass regulations that force you to, on their timetables and not yours?

Vice

No matter if or when terrorists attack here — and they're on their own timetable, not a partisan red/blue state timetable — Cheney will be deemed the primary one who made America more vulnerable.

The New York Times

After months of delays — including a court challenge on humanitarian grounds, which was rejected this week — French officials on Friday unveiled their timetable for closing the camp.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on their timetable" when you want to emphasize that the timing of an event or decision is controlled by a specific group or individual, and you are respecting their schedule.

Common error

Avoid using "on their timetable" if the schedule is actually influenced by external factors or is a result of collaboration. The phrase implies near-complete control over the scheduling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on their timetable" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the timing or scheduling aspect of an action. As Ludwig confirms, it indicates that something will occur according to someone's planned schedule.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on their timetable" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to express adherence to someone else's schedule or pre-determined time plan. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, with a higher concentration in news and media. While it can be replaced by alternatives such as "according to their schedule" or "at their convenience", the original phrase is effective in conveying respect for another's timing. Remember to use it when the schedule is truly controlled by the specified group, and to clarify in what contexts it's applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to their schedule

This phrase directly indicates adherence to a pre-set plan or agenda.

as per their timeline

Replaces "timetable" with "timeline", emphasizing the chronological aspect of the schedule.

based on their agenda

Shifts the focus to the underlying list of priorities or planned actions.

at their convenience

Highlights the aspect of ease and suitability for the involved parties, while still sticking to their own schedule.

when they are ready

Focuses on the readiness and willingness of the people involved.

following their lead time

Emphasizes the time required for preparation or production before an event occurs.

in accordance with their plan

Indicates adherence to a detailed and pre-arranged course of action.

subject to their availability

Highlights the dependency on someone's free time or capacity to engage.

dependent on their timing

Emphasizes how the progression of an event or course of action relies on their personal timing.

on their own terms

Implies that the conditions and arrangements are dictated by them.

FAQs

How can I use "on their timetable" in a sentence?

You can use "on their timetable" to indicate that the timing of an action or decision is determined by a specific person or group. For example, "The project will proceed "according to their schedule"."

What phrases are similar to "on their timetable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "according to their schedule", "as per their timeline", or "at their convenience".

Is it appropriate to use "on their timetable" in a formal setting?

Yes, "on their timetable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral phrase that clearly conveys the idea of respecting someone else's schedule or timeline.

What's the difference between "on their timetable" and "on their own time"?

"On their timetable" refers to a pre-planned schedule or agenda, while "on their own time" implies a more flexible and self-paced approach, without a fixed deadline. The former suggests a structured plan, while the latter emphasizes autonomy.