A schedule sets out planned times for activities.

The idea

Use a schedule for one plan and schedules for several. Ahead of schedule means earlier than planned. British English often begins schedule with a sh sound, while American English often begins it with sk.

Examples

  • The schedule shows when the trains leave.
  • Our schedule includes a break at noon.
  • Please check the schedule before the trip.
  • The team changed its schedule yesterday.
  • Two schedules are on the office wall.
  • We finished the project ahead of schedule.

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Watch out

Do not confuse ahead of schedule with behind schedule: the latter means late.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct answer. The concert starts at seven according to the ___. (schedule / chair)

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    schedule

    schedule is the plan that gives the concert time.

  2. Choose the correct answer. The builders finished ___ schedule, earlier than planned. (ahead of / behind)

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    ahead of

    ahead of signals an earlier finish.

  3. Choose the correct answer. There are three different ___ for the buses. (schedules / schedule)

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    schedules

    schedules counts three separate plans.

Use it today

Describe a schedule and one change to it.