every two

USAGE SUMMARY

"every two" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a repetition or interval of two, and can be used when counting or organizing items or events. Example: The company's marketing campaign includes sending out a newsletter every two weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

EVERY two weeks a language disappears.

The Economist

rabbits every two weeks.

The New Yorker

Every two to seven years.

Independent

He has gigs now every two weeks.

The New Yorker

These happen every two or three years.

The Economist

Congressional ballots are held every two years.

The Economist

He visits sites every two weeks.

The New Yorker

"Every two weeks I needed X amount.

The New York Times

Why not make it every two?

The New Yorker

"It only happens every two years.

Independent

Cows produce a calf every two years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "every two" to describe recurring events, be clear about the unit of time (e.g., "every two weeks", "every two months") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the interval is always weeks. Always specify the unit of time following "every two" to prevent misinterpretations (e.g., "every two days", not just "every two").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every two" functions as a determiner phrase specifying frequency or interval. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something occurs or is repeated at intervals of two units. Examples range from "every two weeks" to "every two years", showcasing its versatile application.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

27%

News & Media

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "every two" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote frequency or interval. It functions primarily to establish recurring patterns, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific papers, as supported by various sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used. Related phrases include "bi-weekly" and "every other", which offer similar meanings in specific contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the unit of time when using "every two". This analysis should help you use "every two" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bi-weekly

Refers specifically to something occurring every two weeks.

every other

Highlights the alternating nature of the occurrence.

at intervals of two

Emphasizes the spaced repetition of events or actions.

separated by two

Focuses on the spacing between occurrences.

in cycles of two

Highlights recurring events in a structured pattern.

two at a time

Implies simultaneous or grouped occurrences.

twice per period

Emphasizes frequency within a specified timeframe.

every couple of

A more casual way to express the interval.

each pair of

Highlights the grouped selection of elements.

in pairs

Indicates items or events occurring together.

FAQs

How do I use "every two" in a sentence?

Use "every two" to indicate a recurring action or event that happens with a frequency of two time units. For example, "The meeting is scheduled every two weeks."

What's a more formal way to say "every two weeks"?

You can use the term "bi-weekly" as a more concise and formal alternative to "every two weeks".

Is it correct to say "every second" instead of "every two"?

While "every second" implies a similar concept of recurrence, it typically refers to something happening in very short intervals. "Every two" is used for longer or more general intervals, like "every two days" or "every two months".

Can "every two" be used for non-time related intervals?

Yes, "every two" can be used for items or steps in a sequence. For instance, "Select every two items from the list" indicates skipping one item between each selection.