on alternating months

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on alternating months" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or activity that occurs every other month. Example: "The committee meets on alternating months to discuss project updates and future plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Those receiving pulmonary nebulized tobramycin on alternating months discontinued nasal administration during that time.

American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Startling was launched on a bimonthly schedule, alternating months with Thrilling Wonder Stories, though in 1940 Thrilling moved to a monthly schedule that lasted for over a year.

Wikipedia

To explore age-related metabolic modifications, we measured biochemical and hematological parameters in the three mouse strains on alternate months for one year.

Plosone

These organizations each put out a magazine on alternate months, guaranteeing members of both clubs a steady stream of Model T-related reading material.

Forbes

A drug simulating placebo was given on alternate months in the bimonthly groups.

Plosone

In this case, analogous to the approach adopted successfully elsewhere [ 34, 35], additional maintenance therapy comprised nebulised tobramycin and colomycin on alternate months, for six months.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Galaxys shift to a bimonthly schedule had been intended to help reduce the workload on Gold, who was not in good health; he was able to take on If as well because the two magazines alternated months of publication.

Wikipedia

The study was conducted prospectively during a period of 9 months (November 17, 2003 – July 31 , 2004 on alternating weeks at the University Hospital Basel, a 700-bed hospital in Northwestern Switzerland providing primary and tertiary care for adult patients.

BMC Infectious Diseases

For the next year they dated on alternating continents.

The New York Times

Most of today's electric machines run on alternating current.

Science Magazine

The asthma counselors in NCICAS began their interventions with two group asthma counseling sessions, followed by in-clinic visits every other month and telephone calls on the alternate months over the course of a year, for a total of 6 clinic visits and 6 calls.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling events or activities, clearly state they will occur "on alternating months" to avoid confusion about the frequency, ensuring all participants understand the timing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "on alternating months" with "bi-monthly". While "bi-monthly" can mean twice a month, it more commonly means every two months, which is what "on alternating months" describes. To avoid ambiguity, clarify the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on alternating months" functions as an adverbial phrase of frequency, specifying how often an event or action takes place. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate that something occurs every other month. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on alternating months" serves as a clear and relatively uncommon way to express that an event happens every other month. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, although it's essential to consider context and potential ambiguity with similar terms like "bi-monthly". While frequently used in scientific contexts, it also appears in news and general writing. For increased clarity, especially in formal settings, using alternatives like "every other month" may be beneficial. Understanding the nuances and proper application of "on alternating months" enhances precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every other month

Replaces "on alternating months" with a more common and straightforward expression.

in alternate months

Swaps the preposition "on" with "in" maintaining similar meaning and structure.

bi-monthly

Uses a single word to express the same frequency of occurring every other month.

once every two months

Rephrases to specify the frequency with a more explicit time frame.

on a bimonthly basis

Adds "basis" to emphasize the regularity of the occurrence.

in a rotating monthly pattern

Focuses on the rotational aspect of the months.

during alternate months

Uses "during" to emphasize the time period when the event occurs.

one month on, one month off

Describes the alternating pattern explicitly using "on" and "off".

shifting every month

Emphasizes the shift that occurs monthly.

taking place in alternating months

Rephrases to highlight the occurrence of an event.

FAQs

What does "on alternating months" mean?

The phrase "on alternating months" means something happens every other month. For example, if something happens in January, it would next occur in March.

What is another way to say "on alternating months"?

Alternatives to "on alternating months" include "every other month", "bi-monthly" (though clarify the meaning to avoid ambiguity), or "once every two months".

Is it correct to say "in alternating months" instead of "on alternating months"?

While "on alternating months" is more common, "in alternating months" is also acceptable but less frequently used. Consider sticking to "on" for clearer communication.

How do you use "on alternating months" in a sentence?

You can use "on alternating months" to describe schedules or events that occur every other month. For example: "The board meetings are held on alternating months to accommodate the members' schedules."