channel guide

Meaning

A channel guide is an on-screen menu or list that shows TV programs, their channels, and the times they are broadcast. People use it to see what is currently playing or what will be on later. It is a standard feature on modern TVs and cable boxes.

Examples

• Can you open the channel guide to see when the movie starts?

  Can you open the channel guide to see when the movie starts?

• The channel guide isn't loading, so I don't know what's on tonight.

  The channel guide isn't loading, so I don't know what's on tonight.

• Just scroll down the channel guide until you find the sports networks.

  Just scroll down the channel guide until you find the sports networks.

• I usually check the channel guide before deciding what to watch.

  I usually check the channel guide before deciding what to watch.

• This smart TV has a really fast and easy-to-use channel guide.

  This smart TV has a really fast and easy-to-use channel guide.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Let's look at the TV book to find a good show.

  ✓ Let's look at the channel guide to find a good show.

  While physical TV guide booklets existed in the past, modern digital menus on television screens are called the 'channel guide' or 'TV guide.'

• ✗ I am checking the channel list to see the movie time.

  ✓ I am checking the channel guide to see the movie time.

  A 'channel list' only shows the names or numbers of the channels, whereas a 'channel guide' shows the actual schedule and program details.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Press the 'Guide' button on the remote to open the ___.

  💡 The on-screen TV schedule menu.

  Show answer

  channel guide

• I'm looking at the ___ to see if there's any football on tonight.

  💡 The menu showing TV program times.

  Show answer

  channel guide