schedule clash

USAGE SUMMARY

"schedule clash" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when two different tasks or events occur at the same time and conflict with one another. Example: I wanted to attend both of my friends' birthdays, but there was a schedule clash and I had to choose one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sadly Sue Perkins was unable to take part due to a schedule clash.

Independent

It was the television schedule clash only Ukip voters could have dreamt of, as Channel 4's Benefits Street Live Debate went head to head with The Big British Immigration Row: Live on Channel 5 last night.

Independent

It looked like being another disappointment for the actor who starred in Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction but missed out on a role in Inglourious Basterds because of a schedule clash.

Independent

Gatland is expected to announce his coaching staff next month and despite England's summer tour of Argentina clashing with the Lions' tour of Australia, the RFU said the schedule clash was not an issue.

BBC

However they fell 2,500 short of that figure on average for their 12 home games in Super League, as well as the final match of the season, which was played at Leigh Sports Village because of a schedule clash with their new tenants.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

it needs settlements, not schedule clashes.

The Guardian

I was also going to run New York last November but I had to pull out because my shooting schedule clashed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She said that schedule clashes with bobsleigh are problematic, but did not rule out a bid to make the team when sevens debuts at the 2016 Games in Rio.

The Guardian - Sport

An ITV source went further, accusing the BBC of a "cynical scheduling clash".

The Guardian

And there are no Italians playing because of a scheduling clash.

The New York Times

Blaming a scheduling clash, Mr. Brown — alone among the leaders — arrived late and signed the treaty alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "schedule clash", clearly state which schedules are clashing to avoid ambiguity. For example, "a schedule clash between the meeting and the conference" is more specific than simply "a schedule clash".

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows what the "schedule clash" involves. Always specify the conflicting events or activities. For example, instead of saying "There was a schedule clash, so I couldn't attend", specify "There was a "schedule clash" between the conference and my doctor's appointment, so I couldn't attend the conference".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "schedule clash" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a situation where two or more events or activities are planned for the same time. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Entertainment

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "schedule clash" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a situation where two or more events are planned at the same time, creating a conflict. While "schedule clash" is understandable in many contexts, "scheduling conflict" might be preferred for more formal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most commonly found in news, sports, and entertainment contexts. When using the phrase, be specific about the conflicting events to ensure clarity. Overall, "schedule clash" is a useful and accepted term for expressing scheduling difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scheduling conflict

Replaces "clash" with "conflict", emphasizing the incompatibility of the schedules.

timetable conflict

Uses "timetable" instead of "schedule", which is more common in British English.

date collision

Emphasizes the direct overlap of dates.

calendar collision

Similar to date collision, using the word calendar to suggest meetings or events that are recorded into the calendar are in conflict

date overlap

A simple way to describe that the dates/events are concurrent.

time conflict

A broader term indicating a general conflict in time availability.

overlap in schedules

Describes the situation where schedules partially coincide, causing a conflict.

scheduling difficulties

Highlights the problems caused by conflicting schedules, rather than just the conflict itself.

competing commitments

Focuses on the fact that the individual or entity has multiple obligations at the same time.

conflicting engagements

Highlights the clash in planned activities or appointments.

FAQs

What does "schedule clash" mean?

A "schedule clash" refers to a situation where two or more events or activities are planned for the same time, making it impossible to attend or participate in all of them.

What can I say instead of "schedule clash"?

You can use alternatives like "scheduling conflict", "time conflict", or "conflicting engagements" depending on the context.

How do I avoid a "schedule clash"?

To avoid a "schedule clash", use a calendar or scheduling tool to track your commitments. Double-check for overlaps before confirming new appointments or events.

Is "schedule clash" formal or informal?

"Schedule clash" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, "scheduling conflict" might be preferred.