What is schedule? Pronunciation and usage in English

schedule means . Learn how to pronounce and use schedule through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of schedule

schedulenoun/verb

/ˈʃɛdjuːl//ˈskɛdjuːl/
Definition & pronunciation of schedule

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "schedule" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈskedʒuːl/ (This is how you'll hear it in most American English accents)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈsked: This part sounds like "sked" – short and quick. It rhymes a little bit with "bed."
  • ʒuːl: This part is the longer one. It’s a bit like "jewel" but with a softer "j" sound – almost like a "ch" sound. The “u” is a short “oo” sound, as in “book.” The “l” is a standard “l” sound.

Here's a phonetic transcription (a more technical way to represent the sound):

IPA: /ˈskedʒuːl/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't say "shed-yool." That's a very common mistake.
  • Focus on that "sch" sound in the beginning. It’s not a sharp "sh" sound like in “ship.” It's softer and more like the "ch" in "choose."
  • Practice the “jewel” part. Really try to get the feel of that "u" sound.

Resources for hearing it:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce schedule" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • YouTube: There are tons of pronunciation videos on YouTube. Search for "pronounce schedule" and watch a few. (Rachel's English is a great channel for pronunciation.)
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/schedule/ - This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from around the world.

To help me tailor my advice even more, could you tell me:

  • What kind of English are you most interested in learning (American, British, Australian, etc.)? (While the pronunciation above is most common in American English, there are slight variations.)

Usage and examples with the word schedule in English

Let's break down how to use the word "schedule" in English. It's a very common and versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use it in sentences:

1. As a Noun (a list of events):

  • Definition: A schedule is a list of events arranged in a specific order, usually with dates and times. It's a plan for what you’ll do.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a busy schedule this week." (Referring to your overall planned activities)
    • "She consulted her schedule to see if she was free."
    • "The airline released a revised schedule for the flight."
    • "I need to update my schedule to include these appointments."
    • "He followed the schedule precisely, arriving on time for each meeting."

2. As a Verb (to plan or arrange):

  • Definition: To schedule means to plan or arrange something – usually an event, appointment, or activity – and put it in a specific timeframe.
  • Examples:
    • "Let’s schedule a meeting next week to discuss the project."
    • "I need to schedule an appointment with the doctor."
    • "The company plans to schedule a product launch in October."
    • "Can we schedule a time to talk about this later?"
    • "They scheduled the interview for 2 PM."

3. Types of Schedules:

  • Daily Schedule: A plan for each day. "My daily schedule includes exercise, work, and family time."
  • Weekly Schedule: A plan for the whole week. "I have a weekly schedule I try to stick to."
  • Event Schedule: A plan for a specific event. "The festival schedule outlined all the performances and activities."
  • Appointment Schedule: A plan of appointments. “The doctor’s office keeps a detailed appointment schedule.”
  • Flight Schedule: A timetable of flights. "The flight schedule shows all the arrival and departure times.”

4. Phrases & Common Uses:

  • To be on schedule: "We're running on schedule." (meaning you're staying within the planned timeframe)
  • To fall behind schedule: "We’re falling behind schedule because of the unexpected delays." (meaning you’re not meeting the planned timeline)
  • To stick to your schedule: "I try to stick to my schedule as much as possible."
  • Schedule something in: “I’ll schedule a haircut in next week.”

Tips for Using "Schedule" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “schedule” depends on the situation. Pay attention to how it's being used around you.
  • Be specific: When scheduling something, be clear about the date, time, and what’s being scheduled.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "schedule"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a conversation, prepare for a presentation?)

Synonyms for the word schedule

Practice with vocabulary schedule

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager adjusted the manufacturing _____ to meet the client's new deadline.
  2. Could you please check my _____ for next Tuesday? I need to fit in a quick call before noon.
  3. We have a strict _____ of Friday afternoon for submitting all quarterly financial reports.
  4. The _____ for the upcoming board meeting includes a discussion on budget allocations and strategic partnerships.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The university registrar decided to revise the course _____ to accommodate an extra week of practical lab sessions. a) curriculum b) schedule c) textbook d) syllabus

  2. Which of the following terms primarily refer to a planned sequence of events or a detailed plan for when things will happen? a) itinerary b) program c) schedule d) task

  3. The new bus _____ ensures more frequent services during peak commuting hours, reducing passenger wait times. a) timetable b) schedule c) route d) track

  4. I have a prior _____ with my mentor at 9 AM, so I won't be able to attend the early morning team brief. a) commitment b) appointment c) meeting d) deadline

  5. The architect presented the project's estimated _____, indicating that the initial phase would be completed by the end of next month. a) timeframe b) milestone c) blueprint d) timeline

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to plan out all the events and their specific timings for the two-day marketing conference.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "schedule" or a related word form.

  2. The important client meeting was originally set for 2 PM on Thursday, but it had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "schedule" or a related word form.

  3. The marketing team is required to submit their final campaign proposal by the end of next week, without any extensions.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, not "schedule" or its forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. schedule
  2. schedule
  3. deadline
  4. agenda

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) schedule
  2. a) itinerary, b) program, c) schedule (all three are correct)
  3. a) timetable, b) schedule (both are correct)
  4. b) appointment
  5. d) timeline

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to create a detailed schedule for all the events and their specific timings for the two-day marketing conference.
  2. The important client meeting, originally scheduled for 2 PM on Thursday, had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
  3. The marketing team's deadline for submitting their final campaign proposal is the end of next week, without any extensions.

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