biweekly (bimonthly, biannual)

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Linguistic Reminder

(A similar problem is discussed in French in the reminder Bihebdomadaire, bimensuel, bimestriel, bisannuel, biennal.)

Problem

Biweekly means either twice a week or every two weeks and can therefore create confusion for the reader. The same is true for bimonthly and biannual.

Solution

To ensure clarity, write

  • twice a week (month, year);
  • every two weeks (months, years); or
  • semi-annual.

Examples

The following table shows alternatives to using biweekly, bimonthly and biannual.

Avoid Replace with

The meetings occur biweekly.

The meetings occur twice a week.

The meetings occur every two weeks.

We get paid bimonthly.

We get paid twice a month.

We get paid every two months.

The biannual gathering is always a family favourite.

The twice-a-year (or semi-annual) gathering is always a family favourite.

The gathering that happens every two years is always a family favourite.

Related link

Linguistic Recommendation reference number

REM-3/2007-06

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Linguistic Recommendations and Reminders
biweekly (bimonthly, biannual) (REM-3/2007-06) - Comments

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