bi-yearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bi-yearly" is correct and usable in written English, although it can be ambiguous.
It can be used to refer to events that occur twice a year or every two years, depending on the context. Example: "The company holds bi-yearly meetings to discuss progress and future goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A popular criticism is its bi-yearly cull, of everybody.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I always talk to my mum about my relationships; she gets bi-yearly phone calls from me, freaking out about girls.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sign of the economic times, or sign that Apple has outgrown bi-yearly events?

TechCrunch

Publishers set the price and length of subscription (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, bi-yearly or yearly).

TechCrunch

When it comes to bi-yearly disclosures of this sort, just keep in mind that you are seeing what is requested through what could be called normal channels.

TechCrunch

They can opt for a breast ultrasound (which has lower specificity than other options), or a breast MRI (which has higher associated costs), but the standard option is a yearly or bi-yearly mammogram for women 45 and older.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Table 3 Physical attributes of questionnaire data Attribute Description Possible values Frequency Visiting frequency Daily Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Yearly Sporadically Weekdays Days of visits Mon-Sun Duration Duration of visit Numeric values Interests Interests in shop categories Mall owner defined shop categories.

EPJ Data Science

For the next 3 years, patients were followed up every 3 months, in the fourth and fifth year bi-annually, and yearly from the sixth to the tenth year after primary therapy.

British Journal of Cancer

An independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) reviewed all safety data and treatment failures on a bi-annual basis and at least yearly after 50% of participants were enrolled in each treatment arm.

Plosone

If you have large revenue from craft sales, you may be required to submit quarterly or bi-annual returns as well as yearly returns.

WikiHow

The journal is yearly or half-yearly quarterly or bi-monthly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bi-yearly", clarify the meaning (twice a year or every two years) through context or by using less ambiguous alternatives like "semi-annual" or "biennial" to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "bi-yearly" without clear context, as it can be interpreted as both 'twice a year' and 'every two years'. To prevent misunderstanding, replace it with /s/semi-annual or /s/biannual for twice a year, and /s/biennial for every two years.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bi-yearly" functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate frequency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, while also highlighting its potential for ambiguity. Examples show it describing events that occur either twice a year or every other year.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "bi-yearly" is a common adjective used to describe events occurring at a certain frequency. However, Ludwig AI highlights its ambiguity, as it can mean both twice a year and every two years. To avoid confusion, especially in formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "semi-annual" or "biannual" for twice a year, and "biennial" for every two years. Pay attention to the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

semi-annual

Emphasizes the occurrence twice within a year, reducing ambiguity.

biannual

Synonymous with semi-annual, indicating twice-yearly occurrence.

biennial

Specifies an event occurring every two years, clarifying the less frequent meaning.

every six months

Clearly indicates an interval of six months, avoiding ambiguity.

twice a year

Directly states the frequency of two times per year.

every other year

Explicitly describes an event occurring every second year.

half-yearly

Another way to express twice a year frequency, though less common.

occurring every two years

A more verbose but unambiguous way to indicate a biennial event.

twice-annual

Variant of twice a year, clearly indicating the frequency.

recurring every other year

Highlights the recurring nature of an event every two years.

FAQs

How can I use "bi-yearly" in a sentence?

You can use "bi-yearly" to describe events happening twice a year or every two years. For clarity, consider alternatives like "semi-annual" or "biannual" for twice a year, and "biennial" for every two years.

What can I say instead of "bi-yearly"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "semi-annual" or "biannual" (twice a year) and "biennial" (every two years).

Which is correct, "bi-yearly" or "biannual"?

"Bi-yearly" and "biannual" can both mean 'twice a year'. However, "bi-yearly" can also mean 'every two years', making "biannual" a clearer choice when you mean twice a year. For every two years, use "biennial".

What's the difference between "bi-yearly" and "biennial"?

"Bi-yearly" is ambiguous, meaning either twice a year or every two years. "Biennial" specifically means every two years, eliminating ambiguity. If you intend to convey 'twice a year', it's safer to use terms such as "semi-annual" or "biannual".