a fixed schedule

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   a plan of times and activities that does not change and must be followed

   Grammar: Countable phrase; you can say 'a fixed schedule' or 'fixed schedules'. Often used with 'on': on a fixed schedule.

   Patterns

   • on a fixed schedule
   • work to a fixed schedule
   • follow a fixed schedule

   The clinic sees patients on a fixed schedule, so you must arrive on time.

   She likes having a fixed schedule because she always knows what comes next.

   We can't change the bus times; they run on a fixed schedule.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   a regular and unchanging pattern of doing something

   Grammar: Often used after 'have' or 'keep to'. It describes a habit or routine, not a printed timetable.

   Patterns

   • have a fixed schedule
   • keep to a fixed schedule
   • a fixed schedule for something

   He has a fixed schedule for studying: two hours every evening.

   The team keeps to a fixed schedule of meetings on Mondays.

   A fixed schedule for meals helps young children feel secure.

Common combinations

on a fixed schedule

The ferries operate on a fixed schedule all year.

follow a fixed schedule

If you follow a fixed schedule, you won't forget any tasks.

a fixed schedule of events

The festival has a fixed schedule of events from morning to night.

work to a fixed schedule

Some writers prefer not to work to a fixed schedule.

Synonyms and how they differ

timetable

A timetable is the printed or written list of times; a fixed schedule is the plan itself, which may or may not be written down.

routine

A routine is a usual way of doing things, often without exact times; a fixed schedule has exact times that do not change.

Opposites

Commonly confused: a fixed schedule or a tight schedule?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a fixed schedule”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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