in under two weeks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in under two weeks" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that something will take place or be accomplished in less than two weeks' time. For example, "We need to finish this project in under two weeks so that it will be ready for the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

For the prime minister it represented a second, bitter setback in under two weeks.

The Guardian

According to Bonhams, Lehman-Peterson produced the pope's Continental in under two weeks.

The New York Times

Philip Roth said that if you don't finish a novel in under two weeks, you haven't really read it.

The Guardian - Books

The album had shifted over a million copies in under two weeks and its release strategy was being heralded as some sort of new dawn for pop royalty.

The Guardian - Music

If another 130,000 now have to be vetted in under two weeks before ballot papers go out, that puts intolerable strain on local parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

In under two weeks, for example, Mr Liu will be trying to buy a ticket back to his job in Nanchang.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"We shot the film," says Schütte, "in under five weeks for less than £800,000 all on the same location.

The Guardian - Film

If you're gearing up for Disrupt Europe, to be held in Berlin in just under two weeks, you know the conference features an amazing roster of panelists, speakers, and Battlefield companies, and of course, Disrupt's legendary after-parties.

TechCrunch

The Dakota Fanning vehicle has already grossed $230 million, with about $475 million in global grosses in well under two weeks.

Huffington Post

Toys R Us will shut its final stores in just under two weeks, resulting in the loss of more than 2,000 jobs, its administrators have confirmed.

The Times

In just under two weeks we will see this pair dancing live in front of the judges, but will Anita still be wearing her L-plates?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in under two weeks" to clearly indicate a timeframe that is shorter than two weeks. It's useful when specifying deadlines or anticipated completion dates.

Common error

Avoid using "in under two weeks" when you mean exactly two weeks, as this phrase implies a period less than two weeks. If the timeframe is precise, state "in two weeks" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in under two weeks" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying a timeframe in which an action will occur. It indicates that something will happen sooner than two weeks. Ludwig shows examples from various contexts where this phrase is used to set expectations about completion or occurrence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in under two weeks" is a common and correct way to express that something will occur in less than two weeks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally considered neutral in register, it's essential to avoid using it when you mean exactly two weeks. Alternative phrases, such as "within a fortnight" or "sooner than two weeks", can offer nuanced variations for similar meanings. Remember that this phrase sets a short-term expectation or deadline, assuring the audience of a quick turnaround.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within a fortnight

Replaces the phrase with a more formal and concise expression for two weeks.

in less than a fortnight

Adds emphasis on the timeframe being shorter than two weeks.

before two weeks have passed

Changes the structure to emphasize the passing of time.

sooner than two weeks

Focuses on achieving something before the two-week mark.

in the coming days

Generalizes the timeframe to a near future.

in the next few days

Specifies a shorter and less defined period.

shortly thereafter

Indicates an event happening soon after a specific point in time.

in a handful of days

Emphasizes the limited number of days remaining.

in rapid succession

Highlights the speed and proximity of events.

expeditiously

Conveys the idea of quick action and efficiency.

FAQs

What does "in under two weeks" mean?

The phrase "in under two weeks" means that something will happen or be completed in a time frame that is shorter than two weeks.

How can I use "in under two weeks" in a sentence?

You might say, "The repairs should be finished "in under two weeks", so we can reopen then."

What are some alternatives to "in under two weeks"?

Alternatives include phrases like "within a fortnight", "in less than two weeks", or "sooner than two weeks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in just under two weeks" instead of "in under two weeks"?

Yes, "in just under two weeks" is a valid alternative that emphasizes the short timeframe.