every fifth year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every fifth year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that takes place once every five years. Example: "The organization holds its annual conference every fifth year to celebrate its milestones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

We only get poverty measurements every fifth year".

The Guardian

After World War II, dictatorships across the world have held elections, on average, every fifth year.

The Washington Post

Michael: The plan would be to do the Variety Bazaar every fifth year, in the fallow year.

The Guardian - Music

The term of office of the Director shall be 5 years, and shall begin on January 1 , 2012 and every fifth year thereafter.

Cornell University

LATVIA, LITHUANIA AND ESTONIA: BALTIC SONG AND DANCE CELEBRATIONS Large festivals are held for several days every fifth year in Estonia and Latvia and every fourth year in Lithuania.

The New York Times - Food

Following adoption of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act (2011), however, monarchs could no longer dissolve Parliament upon the request of the prime minister, and general elections were permanently scheduled to take place on the first Thursday in May in every fifth year, beginning in May 2015.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In addition, every second year (Years 3 and 5) a PAP smear and gynaecological ultrasound examination were performed.

Human Reproduction

Fertiliser was applied every year, every second year or every third year.

Forest Ecology and Management

31, 1999, and Jan . 31of every second year thereafter.

Cornell University

They are evaluated annually and also in-depth every fourth year.

Futures

You vote on monetary policy only every third year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, especially in formal writing, opt for "every fifth year" over potentially ambiguous alternatives to ensure the reader precisely understands the intended frequency. It's important to consider your audience and the context in which you are writing to ensure the phrase is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid assuming "every fifth year" implies a cumulative process where each cycle builds upon the last. Instead, clarify whether the event resets or continues across these five-year intervals to prevent misinterpretations. Also, be cautious when using it with other time-sensitive terms to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every fifth year" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify how frequently an action or event occurs. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is grammatically sound and appropriate for describing cyclical events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "every fifth year" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase commonly employed to denote events occurring at five-year intervals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to specify frequency, often in contexts ranging from scientific studies and news reports to academic discussions. While alternatives such as "quinquennially" exist, "every fifth year" offers a clear and widely understood expression. It's crucial to ensure clarity and avoid assumptions regarding the cyclical nature of the event, while considering the intended audience to convey meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quinquennially

This is a single-word adverb that directly means occurring every five years.

once every five years

This alternative is a more explicit and descriptive way to express the same frequency.

at five-year intervals

This phrase emphasizes the regular spacing of events across time.

every five years

A simpler phrasing maintaining the original meaning with a slight change in word order.

in five-year cycles

This emphasizes the cyclical nature of the occurrence.

five years apart

Focuses on the separation in time between events.

at five-year periods

Similar to intervals, but emphasizes the duration of the period.

every five-year mark

Highlights the specific point in time that occurs every five years.

on a five-year basis

This alternative focuses on the basis or schedule upon which something occurs.

every 60 months

Expresses the interval in terms of months instead of years, providing a different perspective on the frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "every fifth year" in a sentence?

Use "every fifth year" to indicate an event that occurs once within a five-year period. For example, "The conference is held "every fifth year" to showcase advancements in technology".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "every fifth year"?

Alternatives include "quinquennially", "once every five years", or "at five-year intervals". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "every five years" or "every fifth year"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Every five years" is slightly more common, while "every fifth year" can add a touch more emphasis on the ordinal nature of the cycle.

Does "every fifth year" imply it only happens once or multiple times?

"Every fifth year" indicates an event happens one time within each five-year period. If it happens multiple times within that year, further clarification may be needed to avoid ambiguity.