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busy schedule — full timetable

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

A period of time when you have many things to do or appointments, so you have little free time.

Say it like a native

Textbook Owing to my heavily congested timetable of commitments, I cannot attend.

Native I've got a really busy schedule, so I can't make it.

'Heavily congested timetable of commitments' is overcomplicated; 'a busy schedule' is plain.

Pattern: have a busy schedule; my/his/her/their busy schedule

In use

  • I have such a busy schedule this week that I barely have time to relax.daily life
  • Because of my busy schedule at university, I have to plan my time carefully to finish all my assignments.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ I have a busy schedule of work.

✓ I have a busy work schedule.

'A busy work schedule', not 'schedule of work'.

Common collocations

  • a busy schedule — have, fit into, hectic, pack into

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'free schedule' (lots of free time) and 'tight schedule' (not much time between activities).

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