What is timetable? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of timetable

timetablenoun

/ˈtʌɪmˌteɪbl/
Definition & pronunciation of timetable

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "timetable" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈtɪm.ət.ə.bl̩

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ˈtɪm: This is the beginning of the word.
    • t - as in "top"
    • ɪm - sounds like "him" (short "i" sound)
  • ət: This is a little tricky.
    • ə - This is a schwa sound. It's a very short, neutral vowel sound, like the "a" in "about" or the "e" in "bed." It's essentially a relaxed vowel.
    • t - as in "top"
  • əbl̩: This is the final part.
    • bl - as in "blue"
    • ̩ - This symbol represents a syllabic "l." It means the "l" is pronounced as a whole syllable, rather than just a sound. It's a slightly drawn-out "l" sound.

3. Pronunciation in Words:

It's roughly pronounced: "Tim-uh-tuh-bluh"

  • "Tim" – as in “him”
  • “uh” – a short, unstressed schwa sound
  • “tuh” – a short, unstressed “t” sound
  • “bluh” – a shortened, syllabic "l" sound (think of emphasizing the whole syllable "l")

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("tim").
  • Schwa Sound: Really focus on relaxing your mouth when saying the "ə" sound – it's not a strong vowel.
  • Syllabic "l": Don’t pronounce a standard “l” sound at the end. Instead, "bluh" is the whole syllable.

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Translate: Type "timetable" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear a native English speaker say it.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/timetable/ – This website has recordings of the word pronounced by people from different regions of the English-speaking world.

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word timetable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "timetable" in English. It's a very common word with a specific meaning.

1. Basic Definition:

A timetable is a schedule of events or activities, usually displayed in a table format. It shows when something will happen, often organized by time.

2. Common Uses:

  • School Timetables: This is the most common usage. It refers to the schedule of classes, breaks, and other events at a school.

    • Example: "My school timetable is packed today – I have math, English, and history."
    • Example: "Can you check my timetable to see if I have any free periods?"

  • Train Timetables (or Journey Timetables): A timetable showing train times, platform numbers, and arrival/departure times.

    • Example: "I checked the train timetable online and found a convenient service."
    • Example: "The timetable says the train will arrive at 3:15 pm."

  • Work Timetables (or Shift Timetables): A schedule of when employees are scheduled to work, including start and end times, breaks, and days off.

    • Example: "I need to review my work timetable to make sure I understand my shifts."
    • Example: "The company changed our timetable, so now I work a different day."

  • Personal Timetables (or Schedules): A plan you make for yourself, outlining how you'll spend your time. This can include work, study, hobbies, appointments, etc.

    • Example: "I’ve created a timetable to help me balance work and my hobbies."
    • Example: “I need to stick to my timetable if I want to finish my project on time.”

3. Grammatical Usage:

  • Noun: It’s almost exclusively used as a noun. (e.g., "I checked the timetable.")
  • “The” Timetable: Often used with "the" when referring to a specific, known timetable. (e.g., "Let’s look at the school timetable.")

4. Phrases & Related Words:

  • Stick to a timetable: To follow your schedule.
  • Follow a timetable: Similar to "stick to."
  • Change a timetable: To alter the schedule.
  • Consult a timetable: To look at a timetable.
  • Display a timetable: To show a timetable (e.g., a poster with a timetable).
  • Overcrowded timetable: A timetable with too many events or activities.

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Usage Example
School “My timetable has three math classes.”
Trains “Check the timetable for platform 3.”
Work “My work timetable showed an unexpected shift.”
Personal “I’m using a timetable to manage my time.”

Do you want me to:

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  • Provide some synonyms for “timetable”?

Synonyms for the word timetable

Practice with vocabulary timetable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager circulated the new project _________________ outlining key milestones and deadlines.
  2. Students can view their lecture _________________ for the upcoming term online.
  3. Please check the meeting _________________ for the discussion points before attending.
  4. I need to add this important appointment to my digital _________________ so I don't forget it.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of these words refers to a detailed plan of events or a list of times? a) blueprint b) curriculum c) timetable d) itinerary

  2. If you need to adjust the sequence of activities for a conference, what would you primarily consult or modify? a) budget b) minutes c) attendance record d) timetable

  3. Which terms can refer to a list of events with specific times? a) calendar b) logbook c) timetable d) agenda

  4. The final submission date for the research paper is next Friday. This refers to the project's: a) benchmark b) deadline c) milestone d) forecast

  5. Before the meeting, please review the points to be discussed. a) minutes b) memo c) agenda d) abstract

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The schedule for the lectures this semester has been uploaded online. (Rewrite the sentence using "timetable".)

  2. We need to plan out the sequence and timing of all project tasks carefully. (Rewrite the sentence using "timetable" or a related word form.)

  3. The firm needs to be more punctual with its delivery dates. (Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "timetable".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. timetable
  2. timetable
  3. agenda
  4. calendar

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) timetable, d) itinerary
  2. d) timetable
  3. a) calendar, c) timetable, d) agenda
  4. b) deadline
  5. c) agenda

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The lecture timetable for this semester has been uploaded online.
  2. A detailed project timetable is essential for carefully sequencing and timing all tasks.
  3. The firm must strictly adhere to its deadlines for deliveries.

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