every second year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every second year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that takes place once every two years. Example: "The conference is held every second year, attracting participants from around the globe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Human Reproduction

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

Cornell University

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

Forest Ecology and Management

This visitorship is given every second year, alternating with the Luccock Visitorship.

Yale University

31, 1999, and Jan . 31of every second year thereafter, as (h).

Cornell University

They were surveyed every year from 1979 to 1994 and then every second year.

The Economist

USMNT's 25-year-old defender-turned-midfielder has won promotion every second year this decade.

The Guardian - Sport

Darroch's pay almost tripled because Sky's long-term incentive programme only vests every second year.

The Guardian

For the Conservation Evidence project, the ideal would be to update every synopsis every second year.

Nature

(1935) Awarded every second year to an undergraduate student in Columbia University for the best original poem.

Columbia University

The real catastrophic spill is the carbon dioxide billowing from our tailpipes and smokestacks every second, year upon decade.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is crucial, consider using "every second year" instead of 'biennially' if there's a chance of confusion (as 'biennially' can sometimes be misinterpreted as twice a year).

Common error

Avoid using "every second year" when you mean 'twice a year' (semiannually). "Every second year" means once every two years, not twice within the same year.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every second year" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the frequency or interval at which an event or action occurs. Ludwig shows that it modifies verbs to indicate the timing of repeated actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "every second year" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an event that occurs once every two years. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used across various fields, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "biennially" exist, "every second year" offers clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation. The phrase is versatile and can be incorporated into numerous writing styles, ensuring your message is both accurate and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biennially

A single-word adverb that directly means every two years.

every other year

Uses a slightly different structure to convey the same two-year interval.

occurring every two years

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the two-year period.

once every two years

Adds emphasis on the 'once' aspect of the bi-annual occurrence.

bi-yearly

Similar to 'biennially', it condenses the concept into one word.

every 24 months

Specifies the interval in terms of months instead of years.

at two-year intervals

Focuses on the gap between occurrences.

on a bi-annual basis

Formal rephrasing of the core concept.

in alternate years

Implies that the event happens in alternating years.

year after year with one year skipped

More descriptive and less concise than the original phrase.

FAQs

What does "every second year" mean?

The phrase "every second year" means that something occurs once every two years, not twice a year. It indicates an event or action that is repeated with a two-year interval.

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

You can use "every second year" to describe recurring events. For example, "The conference is held "every second year", attracting participants from around the globe."

What is a single-word alternative for "every second year"?

The most accurate single-word alternative for "every second year" is "biennially". However, be mindful of potential misinterpretations as it can sometimes be confused with 'semiannually' (twice a year).

Is "every second year" the same as "every other year"?

Yes, "every second year" and "every other year" have the same meaning. Both phrases indicate that something happens once every two years.