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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Synonyms for the word timetable

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