tough schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tough schedule' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a busy or demanding list of activities. For example, "We have a tough schedule ahead of us this week with four meetings, three deadlines, and two presentations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tough schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a pretty tough schedule".

The New York Times - Sports

It's been a tough schedule so far".

The New York Times - Sports

Orlando's got a tough schedule coming up.

The New York Times - Sports

"Obviously it's a tough schedule on the front end.

The New York Times - Sports

But that seems optimistic with a tough schedule.

The New York Times

Oakland played a tough schedule, including road games against No. 1 seeds Syracuse and Kansas.

The New York Times - Sports

Utah, 3-7 itsits last 10 games, has been hampered by a tough schedule.

The New York Times

The tough schedule continues Thursday night in Chicago against the talent-rich Bulls.

The New York Times - Sports

"I had a big opponent and a tough schedule that I couldn't deal with.

Independent

"I'm rewarding the guys that have been grinding through a tough schedule," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "tough schedule", provide specific examples of what makes it demanding, such as long hours, tight deadlines, or complex tasks, to give your audience a clear understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "tough schedule" as a vague descriptor. Always provide specific details about the schedule's demands to avoid ambiguity and ensure your audience understands the challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough schedule" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "schedule". It describes the characteristics of the schedule, indicating that it is difficult or demanding. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts to describe workload or commitments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough schedule" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe a demanding or challenging plan of activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various writing contexts. While it is often encountered in news and media, being more specific when describing why a schedule is considered "tough" can enhance clarity. Consider using alternatives like "demanding timetable" or "heavy workload" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Providing concrete details will avoid ambiguity and inform your audience of the challenges involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demanding timetable

Emphasizes the demanding aspect of the schedule, focusing on the effort required.

challenging agenda

Highlights the difficulty and the need to overcome obstacles within the schedule.

heavy workload

Focuses on the volume of tasks and responsibilities involved.

strenuous program

Suggests a program that requires significant effort and energy.

rigorous routine

Implies a strict and demanding set of activities.

grueling regimen

Highlights the exhausting and physically or mentally taxing nature of the schedule.

packed agenda

Emphasizes the fullness and lack of free time in the schedule.

hectic pace

Focuses on the fast and chaotic rhythm of the schedule.

tight agenda

Suggests that activities must be done very efficiently because there is not much time.

busy calendar

Indicates a schedule full of appointments and events.

FAQs

What does "tough schedule" mean?

A "tough schedule" refers to a plan of activities that is demanding, challenging, or difficult to manage due to factors such as time constraints, heavy workload, or complexity.

How can I effectively describe a "tough schedule" in writing?

Provide specific details about the schedule's demands, such as long hours, tight deadlines, or complex tasks. You can also use descriptive adjectives to emphasize the difficulty, such as "demanding", "challenging", or "grueling".

What are some alternatives to saying "tough schedule"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "demanding timetable", "heavy workload", or "challenging agenda".

Is it appropriate to use "tough schedule" in formal writing?

While "tough schedule" is generally acceptable, using more formal alternatives such as "demanding schedule" or "rigorous program" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.