Explore Alternatives to 'Twice a Week': Biweekly, Semiweekly, and More

When you need to convey that something happens twice a week, it’s well, there’s more than one way to say it. While twice a week is the most straightforward, biweekly and semiweekly can also be used. But which one should you choose, and what exactly do they mean? Let’s dive into the nuances and explore some alternatives to 'twice a week.'

Biweekly vs. Semiweekly: Clarifying the Confusion

The terms biweekly and semiweekly can be quite confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with their meanings in various contexts. In general, biweekly refers to something that happens every two weeks, while semiweekly means something that happens twice a week. However, in certain regions, particularly in North America, these terms can be used interchangeably, leading to ambiguity.

Biweekly

Biweekly literally means something that occurs twice every week. However, the term can be ambiguous, as it can also mean something that happens every two weeks in some dialects. This ambiguity is particularly prominent in British English, where biweekly can mean either twice a week or every two weeks. To avoid confusion, it’s best to use a different term if you specifically mean 'twice a week.'

Semiweekly

Semiweekly is derived from the Latin prefix 'semi-' (meaning half) and 'weekly.' It refers to something that happens twice a week. The term is less commonly used than biweekly, which can lead to further confusion. In some countries, especially in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, semiweekly might mean once every two weeks, similar to biweekly usage there.

Other Alternatives to 'Twice a Week'

For clear communication, it’s often best to use specific terms that are unambiguous. Here are some alternatives you can use to clearly convey something that happens twice a week:

Twice a Week

The most direct way to say 'twice a week' is to use the phrase itself. This is the simplest and most precise way to convey the frequency.

Fortnightly

In British English and some other regions, you might hear the term fortnightly used to describe something that happens twice a week. A fortnight is a period of two weeks, and fortnightly refers to something that occurs every fortnight. So, in the UK and Ireland, you could use 'fortnightly' to mean 'twice a week.'

General Usage and Context

The context in which you’re using the term can also influence which alternative is most appropriate. For example, in a professional newsletter, a frequency of twice a week might be described as 'biweekly' or 'twice a week.' In casual conversation, using 'twice a week' is more intuitive and less likely to cause confusion.

Conclusion

When choosing a term to describe something that happens twice a week, always consider the context and the audience you are addressing. While biweekly and semiweekly can be used in certain situations, they can also cause confusion. Opting for twice a week, fortnightly, or another specific term can help ensure your message is clear and easily understood.

References:

Biweekly Wiktionary: Twice-weekly Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: Once every two weeks