B1 Collocation 中性 2分钟阅读

flexible schedule

Adjustable timetable

Use `flexible schedule` to describe a routine that adjusts to your personal life and needs.

15秒了解

  • Freedom to choose your own start and end times for work.
  • A key phrase for work-life balance and modern job hunting.
  • Commonly used in professional settings to describe non-traditional hours.

意思

A flexible schedule means you have the freedom to choose when you start and finish your work or activities. Instead of a strict 9-to-5, you can adjust your hours to fit your life.

关键例句

3 / 6
1

In a job interview

Does this position offer a flexible schedule for remote workers?

Does this position offer a flexible schedule for remote workers?

💼
2

Texting a friend to meet up

I have a flexible schedule this week, so pick any day for lunch!

I have a flexible schedule this week, so pick any day for lunch!

😊
3

Explaining a lifestyle change

I switched to freelancing because I really needed a flexible schedule.

I switched to freelancing because I really needed a flexible schedule.

💭
🌍

文化背景

The phrase gained massive traction during the 'gig economy' boom and the post-2020 shift to remote work. It reflects a Western cultural shift prioritizing mental health and family time over traditional office presence. In many modern workplaces, it is considered a standard 'perk' rather than a luxury.

💡

The 'Flex' Shortcut

In very casual settings or startups, people often shorten it to just `flex`. For example: 'We have a flex policy here.'

⚠️

Don't say 'Bendy'

Even though 'bendy' is a synonym for flexible, we never say 'bendy schedule.' It sounds like your calendar is made of rubber!

15秒了解

  • Freedom to choose your own start and end times for work.
  • A key phrase for work-life balance and modern job hunting.
  • Commonly used in professional settings to describe non-traditional hours.

What It Means

Imagine you are not a slave to the clock. A flexible schedule means your time is like rubber. You can stretch it or shrink it. You decide when the work day begins. You decide when it ends. It is the opposite of a rigid, fixed routine. It is about freedom and personal choice.

How To Use It

You usually use this phrase when talking about jobs or school. You can say you have one or you want one. It often follows verbs like offer, provide, or request. For example, "My boss offers a flexible schedule." It sounds very positive. It suggests you are trusted to manage your own time. Just don't use it to mean you can skip work entirely!

When To Use It

Use it during job interviews to sound professional yet modern. Use it when talking to friends about why you love your new freelance gig. It is perfect for explaining why you can meet for coffee at 2 PM on a Tuesday. It fits well in emails when you are trying to coordinate a meeting time. It is a very common term in the modern "work from home" era.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using it if you are talking about a doctor's appointment or a flight. Those have fixed times. You cannot tell a pilot you have a flexible schedule for takeoff. Also, do not confuse it with being "lazy." If you tell a client you have a flexible schedule, they might think you are always available. Be careful with that!

Cultural Background

In the US and UK, this phrase exploded in popularity with the rise of tech companies. It represents a shift from the old industrial mindset. It shows that the culture now values "work-life balance." In many Western cultures, having a flexible schedule is seen as a high-status perk. It is often more valuable to people than a small pay raise. It is the ultimate symbol of the modern professional.

Common Variations

You might hear people say flexitime or flexible hours. Some people call it working on my own terms. In casual texts, you might just say my hours are flex. If you are working from anywhere, you might call it being a digital nomad. All these terms point back to the same idea: you own your clock.

使用说明

This phrase is safe for all environments. In professional settings, it implies autonomy and trust. In casual settings, it implies you are easy-going and available.

💡

The 'Flex' Shortcut

In very casual settings or startups, people often shorten it to just `flex`. For example: 'We have a flex policy here.'

⚠️

Don't say 'Bendy'

Even though 'bendy' is a synonym for flexible, we never say 'bendy schedule.' It sounds like your calendar is made of rubber!

💬

The Hidden Meaning

In US job ads, a `flexible schedule` sometimes secretly means 'you might have to work weekends.' Always ask for clarification!

例句

6
#1 In a job interview
💼

Does this position offer a flexible schedule for remote workers?

Does this position offer a flexible schedule for remote workers?

Asking about benefits in a professional way.

#2 Texting a friend to meet up
😊

I have a flexible schedule this week, so pick any day for lunch!

I have a flexible schedule this week, so pick any day for lunch!

Letting a friend know you are available.

#3 Explaining a lifestyle change
💭

I switched to freelancing because I really needed a flexible schedule.

I switched to freelancing because I really needed a flexible schedule.

Expressing a personal need for freedom.

#4 A boss talking to an employee
🤝

We trust you to get the work done, so feel free to use a flexible schedule.

We trust you to get the work done, so feel free to use a flexible schedule.

Granting permission and showing trust.

#5 Joking about being unemployed
😄

My cat enjoys my flexible schedule, but my bank account does not.

My cat enjoys my flexible schedule, but my bank account does not.

Using the term humorously to describe having too much free time.

#6 Setting boundaries with a client
👔

While I have a flexible schedule, I generally don't take calls after 6 PM.

While I have a flexible schedule, I generally don't take calls after 6 PM.

Clarifying that flexibility has limits.

自我测试

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a job benefit.

The company allows a ___ schedule, so I can pick up my kids from school.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: flexible

A `flexible` schedule is the standard term for a timetable that allows for personal errands like school pickups.

Complete the phrase used in a professional context.

I am looking for a role that offers ___ hours.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: flexible

While 'bendy' means flexible physically, only `flexible` is used for time and schedules in English.

🎉 得分: /2

视觉学习工具

Formality of 'Flexible Schedule'

Casual

Used with friends

I've got a flex schedule.

Neutral

Standard conversation

I love my flexible schedule.

Formal

Business contracts

The employee shall maintain a flexible schedule.

Where to use 'Flexible Schedule'

Flexible Schedule
💼

Job Interview

Asking about work-life balance

🏫

Parenting

Managing school runs

Freelancing

Working from a cafe

🎓

University

Choosing evening classes

常见问题

10 个问题

Flexible schedule is the general concept, while flexitime (or flextime) is often the specific HR policy name used in offices.

Yes, it is very common now. You can ask, 'Does this role allow for a flexible schedule?'

Absolutely. You can tell a friend, 'My social calendar is a flexible schedule right now,' meaning you are free to hang out.

It is neutral. It works perfectly in a legal contract or a casual chat at a bar.

No, it usually means you work the same number of hours, just at different times. You still do 40 hours, but maybe from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The opposite is a fixed schedule or a rigid schedule. You might also hear it called a 9-to-5.

Yes! That is a very natural way to use the adjective. 'I'm free whenever; my schedule is flexible.'

Yes, it is used globally in English. In the UK, flexible working is also a very common legal term.

Yes, if a university allows you to watch lectures whenever you want, you have a flexible schedule.

Don't say 'I am a flexible schedule.' You *have* a flexible schedule, or your *schedule is* flexible.

相关表达

Work-life balance

The equilibrium between your job and your personal life.

Core hours

The specific times of day when everyone must be working, even with a flexible schedule.

Remote work

Working from home or a location outside the traditional office.

On-call

Being available to work whenever the employer needs you (the stressful version of flexibility).

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