roughly on schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly on schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is progressing as planned, but not precisely on time. Example: "Despite a few minor delays, the project is roughly on schedule for completion by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Both would be roughly on schedule to do it and both have made strides this April.

The New York Times - Sports

Most insiders say that they still expect Mr. Xi to re-emerge soon and take over the top positions in the party and the government roughly on schedule.

The New York Times

As for the two projects that are roughly on schedule, both were begun under a different program, months before the infrastructure fund was created.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Right on schedule (with "on schedule" meaning "roughly 2 weeks since the last one"), Apple has just released the sixth Beta build of iOS 5 to developers.

TechCrunch

When Union General Irvin McDowell's reluctant push toward Richmond became the debacle of Bull Run on July 21 — roughly on the schedule so aggressively prescribed in the columns of the Tribune for weeks — furious recriminations against Greeley from the Northern public and press poured in from all quarters.

The New York Times

The flights of major carriers arrive on-schedule roughly 80percentt of the time, for example, and federal officials do little to enforce better performance.

The New York Times

The chain, which now operates 159 stores and is on schedule to open roughly one per week, is continuing to focus on putting its stores in locations where locals need them.

Forbes

The stimulus package arrived with the price tag and on roughly the schedule Obama had set for it.

The New York Times

The cost reduction since we introduced the PS3 is very substantial and this is on schedule… About 70percentnt, roughly speaking.

TechCrunch

Ms. Cash played six shows in the museum's first eight months; since then she has returned on a roughly annual schedule.

The New York Times - Arts

But that charge has been replaced by a cell phone upgrade every two years (and, fairly soon, a new tablet computer on roughly the same schedule).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roughly on schedule" when you want to convey that a project or event is progressing according to the planned timeline, but with a margin of error or flexibility. This is particularly useful in situations where unforeseen circumstances might cause minor delays or adjustments.

Common error

Avoid using "roughly on schedule" when you mean something is exactly on time. The phrase implies an approximation, so using it in situations requiring precision can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly on schedule" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It provides information about the extent to which something aligns with a planned timeline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "roughly on schedule" is a useful adverbial phrase for indicating an approximate alignment with a planned timeline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for a range of contexts. While not as precise as "exactly on schedule", it provides a realistic assessment of progress where minor deviations are expected. When more precision is needed, consider using alternatives like "approximately on time". Keep in mind that the term works best when precision is not critical but a general adherence to plans is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately on time

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing an estimated time rather than strict adherence to a schedule.

generally on track

Indicates overall progress is aligned with the plan, allowing for minor deviations.

more or less on target

Highlights the achievement of a desired outcome or goal within acceptable limits.

in the ballpark

An idiomatic expression suggesting that something is close to the desired value or timeframe.

fairly close to schedule

Emphasizes the proximity to the planned schedule, suggesting only slight variations.

on course

Implies directional alignment with the intended path, rather than a precise timeline.

proceeding as anticipated

Highlights the expectation of how something should progress, with less focus on strict scheduling.

almost according to plan

Indicates a near-perfect execution of the plan, with minimal departures from the original intent.

largely within expectations

Suggests that the outcome is broadly in line with what was predicted, encompassing more than just timing.

reasonably well coordinated

Focuses on the harmony of elements working together, which may imply adherence to a schedule but is not its primary emphasis.

FAQs

What does "roughly on schedule" mean?

The phrase "roughly on schedule" indicates that something is progressing according to the planned timeline, but allows for minor variations or deviations. It implies an approximation rather than strict adherence.

When is it appropriate to use "roughly on schedule"?

Use "roughly on schedule" when you want to communicate that a project or event is generally following the timeline, but there might be some slight delays or advancements. It's appropriate when precision is not critical.

What are some alternatives to "roughly on schedule"?

You can use alternatives like "approximately on time", "generally on track", or "more or less on target" depending on the context.

How does "roughly on schedule" differ from "exactly on schedule"?

"Roughly on schedule" implies an estimated timeline with potential variations, while "exactly on schedule" means something is progressing with perfect precision and adherence to the planned timeline. They are opposite in meaning.