scheduling difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scheduling difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to challenges or obstacles related to arranging or organizing a schedule. Example: "Due to scheduling difficulties, we will need to postpone the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both sides claimed scheduling difficulties.

The New York Times

Citing scheduling difficulties, McIlroy ended their professional relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

Serena and Venus Williams were invited to play this weekend but declined, citing scheduling difficulties.

The New York Times - Sports

But the meeting was postponed because of Mr. Abbas's scheduling difficulties, according to the Palestinian information minister, Nabil Amr.

The New York Times

For all their alleged frankness, both sides dodged mention of the scheduling difficulties leading up to the event.

The New Yorker

The next series of Sherlock won't emerge for another two years thanks to scheduling difficulties with its key players.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Stone was set to potentially take on the role last year but scheduling difficulties meant she had to pass.

The Guardian

Kerry cancelled his fifth visit to the region as part of his drive last week, citing scheduling difficulties.

The Guardian

The two said at a news conference that they were open to the idea but needed to overcome scheduling difficulties.

The New York Times

Mr. Barak was to fly to Egypt on Friday to meet with President Hosni Mubarak, but later today he delayed that trip indefinitely; his office cited scheduling difficulties.

The New York Times

(In a few instances, because of scheduling difficulties, Mr. Feinberg has designated a colleague to handle the hearing, but he still makes the final decisions on awards).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scheduling difficulties", be specific about the cause. Instead of a general statement, explain what is causing the issue, such as "conflicting appointments" or "limited availability".

Common error

Avoid vague sentences like "The meeting was delayed due to scheduling difficulties." Instead, actively state who is experiencing the difficulty: "The team delayed the meeting because members had conflicting schedules."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scheduling difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to describe problems or challenges related to arranging or coordinating events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scheduling difficulties" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe problems related to arranging or coordinating events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "calendar conflicts" or "time constraints" exist, "scheduling difficulties" offers a balanced level of formality suitable for diverse audiences. To ensure clarity, it's best to be specific about the underlying causes of these difficulties, enhancing the communicative effectiveness of your writing. This phrase has the function to explain or justify why an event was delayed, canceled, or modified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calendar conflicts

Refers specifically to situations where events overlap or clash in a calendar.

timing clashes

Focuses on instances where events are incompatible due to their timing.

conflicting appointments

Specifically refers to situations where appointments overlap.

time constraints

Focuses on the limitations of available time.

time limitations

Similar to "time constraints", emphasizing restrictions on time.

logistical challenges

Broader term that encompasses all logistical issues, including scheduling.

organizational hurdles

Emphasizes the obstacles encountered during the planning process.

coordination problems

Highlights the issues in coordinating different activities or people.

planning complications

General term for difficulties arising during the planning phase.

deadline pressures

Refers to the stress caused by impending deadlines, impacting scheduling.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "scheduling difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "calendar conflicts", "time constraints", or "coordination problems" depending on the specific issue.

What are common causes of "scheduling difficulties"?

Common causes include overlapping appointments, limited availability of resources, and unforeseen delays. Specifying the cause provides clarity.

Is it better to say "scheduling difficulties" or "scheduling issues"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "Scheduling difficulties" emphasizes the problematic nature, while "scheduling issues" is more neutral. The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

How to avoid "scheduling difficulties" in project management?

Implement clear communication channels, use shared calendars, and regularly review schedules to identify potential conflicts early on. Proactive planning minimizes problems.