once a quarter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once a quarter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an event or action that occurs every three months. Example: "The company holds a financial review meeting once a quarter to assess its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, I try to go at least once a quarter.

The New York Times

I go there about once a quarter to treat myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most loan funds accept redemptions only once a quarter.

The New York Times

Once a quarter, Mr. Smith traveled to Taiwan to meet with the executive, Jason Lin.

The New York Times

Once a quarter, he makes sure he meets some of them, by making deliveries himself.

The Economist

Unemployment was indeed reported once a quarter up until the late 1990s.

Independent

Starting on November 20th it will publish projections once a quarter.

The Economist

Would it be more sensible to report it once a quarter instead of every month?

Independent

Corporate financial information should also be released more frequently than once a quarter, he said.

The New York Times

Further, regulators need the information more frequently than once a quarter or even once a month.

The New York Times

Once a quarter, parents receive a flier describing Van Cortlandt and the other options available.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once a quarter", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'quarter' refers to (e.g., fiscal quarter, calendar quarter) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands which 'quarter' you're referring to. Specify 'fiscal quarter' or 'calendar quarter' for clarity, especially in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once a quarter" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the frequency with which an action or event occurs. Ludwig shows that it is often used to describe recurring meetings, reports, or activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once a quarter" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something happens every three months. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, describing recurring events or activities. While "quarterly" serves as a more concise alternative, "once a quarter" offers more explicitness. For best practice, ensure clarity about which 'quarter' is being referenced. Be mindful to define the type of quarter to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quarterly

This is a single-word adjective/adverb which can replace "once a quarter" to denote frequency.

per quarter

A shorter and more concise way of saying "once a quarter".

each quarter

Similar to "quarterly" but with a slightly different construction.

every three months

This alternative uses a more descriptive phrase to express the same frequency.

four times a year

This alternative uses a numerical description to specify the frequency.

one time each quarter

An expanded version that emphasizes the singularity of the event each quarter.

on a quarterly basis

This alternative adds formality to the expression, emphasizing the structured nature of the frequency.

every fiscal quarter

This alternative emphasizes the financial or business aspect.

at three-month intervals

This alternative highlights the consistent spacing between occurrences.

in three-month cycles

This alternative emphasizes the cyclical nature of the recurring event.

FAQs

How can I use "once a quarter" in a sentence?

You can use "once a quarter" to describe the frequency of an event. For example, "The board of directors meets "once a quarter" to review the company's performance".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "once a quarter"?

Some alternatives include "quarterly", "every three months", or "four times a year". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "once a quarter" or "quarterly"?

"Quarterly" is generally more concise and formal. "Once a quarter" provides more explicit detail about the frequency. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and clarity.

What does "once a quarter" mean in a business context?

In a business context, "once a quarter" typically refers to events that occur every three months, often aligning with fiscal quarters or reporting periods. For example, financial results are often released "once a quarter".