odd-numbered years

USAGE SUMMARY

"odd-numbered years" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to years with an odd year number, such as 2021. For example, you could say: "In odd-numbered years, the town hosts a celebratory parade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Odd-numbered years are chill.

The New York Times

It is awarded in odd-numbered years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's all about odd-numbered years.

The New York Times

The legislature convenes in February of odd-numbered years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It will now be played in odd-numbered years.

The New York Times - Sports

The legislatures in a few American states normally meet only in odd-numbered years.

The Economist

The victory gave Dixon wins on the road track in the last three odd-numbered years.

The New York Times - Sports

Questions on computer use and access were added to the survey in odd-numbered years from 1997 to 2015.

Cornell University

The legislature meets for sessions of 90 legislative days in odd-numbered years and 60 days in even-numbered years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The state legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, and the session runs for five months or less.

The Economist

Matches were played in the United States in odd-numbered years and in Great Britain in even-numbered years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cyclical events or schedules, use "odd-numbered years" to clearly differentiate from even-numbered years. This is particularly useful in fields like sports, politics, and economics where events often alternate.

Common error

Avoid using "odd-numbered years" when you actually mean ordinal positions like "the third year" or "the fifth year". Ensure the context refers to the year number itself, not its position in a sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odd-numbered years" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (implied or explicit) to specify a particular subset of years. This is supported by Ludwig examples showcasing its use in specifying schedules and events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "odd-numbered years" is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its purpose is to specify a particular timeframe, especially when differentiating from even-numbered years. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it frequently appears in contexts such as news reporting, academic discussions, and encyclopedic entries. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase. When writing, ensure the context clearly refers to the year number itself and is not confused with ordinal positions. Using "odd-numbered years" provides clarity in discussions involving cyclical events or schedules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

years with odd numbers

Rephrases the concept using simpler language, focusing on the characteristic of the years.

un-even numbered years

Simple synonym.

odd-numbered calendar years

Specifies the context as calendar years for clarity.

non-even years

Defines the concept by negating its opposite, providing a concise alternative.

years ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9

Offers a specific numerical breakdown for identifying odd-numbered years, useful for clarity.

years with the last digit odd

Focuses on the last digit of the year to define "odd-numbered years"

years divisible by two with remainder

Emphasizes the mathematical property of odd numbers, offering a more technical description.

the sequence of odd years

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of odd years.

alternate years

Highlights the alternating nature of odd and even years, suitable in contexts involving recurring events.

single numbered years

Highlights the single digit in the one's place of the year, providing a distinctive feature

FAQs

How can I use "odd-numbered years" in a sentence?

You can use "odd-numbered years" to describe events that happen specifically during those years. For example, "The conference is held in "odd-numbered years"".

What's the difference between "odd-numbered years" and "even-numbered years"?

"Odd-numbered years" refer to years that, when divided by two, leave a remainder of one (e.g., 2021, 2023), while "even-numbered years" are divisible by two without a remainder (e.g., 2020, 2022).

Is it correct to say "odd years" instead of "odd-numbered years"?

While "odd years" might be understood in context, ""odd-numbered years"" is more precise and avoids ambiguity. Using the full phrase ensures clarity.

Are elections more common in "odd-numbered years" or "even-numbered years"?

It varies by location, but many local and municipal elections are held in "odd-numbered years" to avoid being overshadowed by national elections which typically occur in even-numbered years.