[Vocabulary] observe vs adhere

[constantinusphilo]

Is it better to say 'observe a schedule' or 'adhere to a schedule'? I would prefer the second, but both are fine, as it seems.

 

[Tarheel]

I'm not sure what the first one means.

I take "adhere to a schedule" or "follow a schedule" to mean about the same thing.

 

[tedmc]

I think observe rules and regulations is more common. You can also say stick to a schedule.

 

[jutfrank]

Both stick to a schedule and adhere to a schedule are fine, the latter being somewhat more academic in register.

I think observe a schedule is just wrong. Who told you it's okay?