skeleton schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skeleton schedule" is a correct expression in written English.
It is often used to mean a preliminary or basic plan that will be further fleshed out. For example: We need to outline a skeleton schedule for the conference, and then assign tasks for each item on the agenda.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The barricades are up," he wrote, "oil supplies running out, trains and planes on a skeleton schedule and the protests are still escalating.

The Guardian

Finding your way to your home miles away in the early hours when public transport is either shut or on a skeleton schedule is no fun.

The Guardian

Full skeleton schedule.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The bobsleigh and skeleton world championships are scheduled to be held on the 2014 Olympic track from 13-16 February.

The Guardian - Sport

With three sliding sports — luge, skeleton and bobsled — sharing the same track, scheduling concerns were probably a factor.

The New York Times - Sports

It has since also hosted the FIBT World Championships 1995 in skeleton and the FIL World Luge Championships 1995, and is scheduled to host the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics.

Wikipedia

Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track is scheduled to host the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events.

Wikipedia

We propose that salient aspects of the evolution of the notothenioid craniofacial skeleton can be explained by discrete shifts in early developmental genetic scheduling (Fig. 6).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

At a ceremony on Monday near the United Nations, American officials are scheduled to turn over to Mongolian representatives the unusually complete skeleton of the giant raptor, 8 feet high and 24 feet long.

The New York Times - Arts

The Russians are scheduled to compete this weekend in a World Cup bobsled and skeleton competition in Lake Placid, New York, as are sliders from most other nations on the circuit.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Simmons of "Top Chef" acquired the skeletons in her kitchen closet by badly miscalculating the realities of her daily schedule.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a "skeleton schedule", focus on the main elements and key milestones rather than detailed tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "skeleton schedule" to describe a schedule that is simply missing information. A "skeleton schedule" is a deliberately simplified version, not a neglected one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skeleton schedule" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "skeleton" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "schedule". As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes a basic or preliminary version of a plan.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skeleton schedule" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a preliminary or basic plan, according to Ludwig. With a neutral register, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While relatively uncommon, it effectively communicates that a schedule is in its initial stage and lacks specifics. Remember to use it when emphasizing the evolving nature of a plan and avoid confusing it with a simply incomplete or inflexible arrangement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outline schedule

Highlights the overview of the plan and not the details.

preliminary timetable

Emphasizes the early, incomplete nature of the schedule.

provisional timetable

Suggests that the schedule is subject to change.

tentative schedule

Emphasizes the uncertainty and potential for adjustments in the schedule.

basic agenda

Highlights the core items or topics covered in the schedule.

initial plan

Focuses on the schedule as a starting point for further development.

rough draft of the program

Suggests a work-in-progress state of the schedule.

bare-bones itinerary

Implies a simplified and minimal version of a detailed itinerary.

abbreviated program

Indicates a shortened or condensed version of a regular program.

reduced timetable

Focuses on a schedule with fewer events or activities than usual.

FAQs

What does "skeleton schedule" mean?

A "skeleton schedule" refers to a preliminary or basic timetable, plan, or agenda that includes only the essential elements. It is often used as a starting point that will be further developed and fleshed out with more details.

When is it appropriate to use the term "skeleton schedule"?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize the preliminary nature of a plan or timetable and indicate that it's subject to change. You might use "preliminary timetable" or "tentative schedule" instead.

Is "skeleton schedule" the same as a "full schedule"?

No, a "skeleton schedule" is the opposite of a full schedule. A full schedule is detailed and comprehensive, while a "skeleton schedule" provides only the basic framework. It can be seen as a "basic agenda".

What's the difference between "skeleton schedule" and "inflexible schedule"?

A "skeleton schedule" focuses on a preliminary draft, while an "inflexible schedule" describes a plan that cannot be easily changed. The former is about the stage of development, while the latter is about its rigidity.