alternating weeks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'alternating weeks' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an arrangement in which two people take turns doing something on different weeks, for example: We have decided to take turns watching the children during the school holidays, with each of us taking care of them for alternating weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The two were in chemotherapy, sometimes on alternating weeks, sometimes side by side.

The New York Times

Since the divorce, the two share custody equally, taking Jacob on alternating weeks and frequently discussing his care.

The New York Times

Guerrillas and paramilitaries, he said, started invading the town last December on alternating weeks, killing the corn, banana and rice farmers and their families at random.

The New York Times

The women became bitter enemies, a situation further aggravated by the custody arrangement for Evan, which called for him to spend alternating weeks in each parent's house.

The New York Times - Style

The series was sidelined for three years during renovations, and when it returned in 2005, the concerts were moved to Sundays, with the Juilliard musicians alternating weeks with musicians from Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The New York Times - Arts

With live jazz and country music on alternating weeks, the atmosphere is as retro as the orange leather banquettes, vintage Detroit photographs and scuffed instruments hanging on the walls.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some have an overlapping day and others alternate weeks.

The New York Times

Richard Rothstein, who has written this column in alternate weeks, will write it every week starting today.

The New York Times

She works alternate weeks with John Chris Parker, because this is definitely one of those 24/7 jobs.

The New York Times

On alternate weeks, professors will go to the middle schools to observe how well the lessons are being implemented.

The New York Times

It said the site, in its last incarnation, was staffed by two people "working part time on alternate weeks".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, specify the start date or initial week assignment when using "alternating weeks", especially in situations involving schedules or shared responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "bi-weekly" as a direct substitute for "alternating weeks". "Bi-weekly" can mean both twice a week and every two weeks, leading to confusion. If you intend to convey every two weeks, "alternating weeks" is clearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternating weeks" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the frequency or schedule of an event or activity. It indicates a recurring pattern that happens every other week, as Ludwig AI confirms. Examples show it used in contexts like custody arrangements and medical treatments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternating weeks" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote events that occur every other week. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively specifies frequency in various contexts, including schedules, treatments, and shared responsibilities. While "bi-weekly" is sometimes used, "alternating weeks" provides greater clarity, avoiding potential ambiguity. The phrase is suitable for neutral and professional registers, making it versatile for different forms of communication. When using "alternating weeks", ensure the start date or initial week assignment is clear, improving understanding and avoiding confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every other week

This alternative simplifies the phrasing while retaining the core meaning of something happening on a bi-weekly basis.

bi-weekly rotation

It emphasizes the recurring nature of the schedule, framing it as a rotating system every two weeks.

every second week

It is a more explicit way to say that something happens once in a two-week period.

fortnightly shifts

The term 'fortnightly' means every two weeks, highlighting the cyclical nature of work schedules.

two-week intervals

It focuses on the length of time between occurrences, clarifying the timing aspect.

weekly intervals

It shortens the period to single weeks, altering the frequency.

staggered weeks

It highlights the offset or non-simultaneous nature of the scheduling but does not emphasize the recurring frequency.

periodic weeks

It refers to weeks that recur at regular intervals but it's less specific than "alternating weeks".

rotating schedule

It highlights the cyclical nature of scheduling but doesn't specify the two-week interval.

split weeks

It refers to dividing weeks, not necessarily alternating entire weeks between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "alternating weeks" in a sentence?

You can use "alternating weeks" to describe schedules or arrangements where something happens every other week. For example, "The parents share custody of their child, with each parent having the child on "every other week"".

What's the difference between "alternating weeks" and "alternate weeks"?

"Alternating weeks" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Alternate weeks" is grammatically correct but less frequently used. The meaning remains the same: something happens every other week.

Is "alternating weeks" the same as "bi-weekly"?

While sometimes used interchangeably, "bi-weekly" can be ambiguous, meaning either twice a week or every two weeks. "Alternating weeks" clearly means every two weeks, avoiding potential confusion.

What are some situations where I might use the term "alternating weeks"?

You might use "alternating weeks" when discussing custody arrangements, shared work schedules, rotational assignments, medical treatments given every other week, or any other arrangement where something happens regularly but not every week.