trimester

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trimester" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of three months, often in the context of academic terms or pregnancy. Example: "The academic year is divided into three trimesters, each lasting approximately 12 weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some say she'd started partying out of depression over a recent weight gain (her weight had more than tripled in the preceding trimester).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The charity said across the 10 countries, less than half of the children seen in its consultations were properly immunised against tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella and more than half pregnant women had not had access to antenatal care until they were well into their second trimester.

The Guardian

Such instruments are commonly used in dilation and evacuation procedures performed during the second trimester.

The Guardian

According to Gallup, 61% believe it should be legal during the first three months of pregnancy, but this figure drops to 27% for the second trimester and 14% for the third.

The Economist

The Supreme Court, in its landmark Roe v Wade ruling in 1973, held that the right of a woman to terminate her pregnancy in the first trimester was guaranteed by her constitutional right to privacy.

The Economist

After all, Roe v Wade secures a woman's right to an abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy and the constitution's supremacy clause means that when state and federal law conflict, federal law wins.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It says the ban means a woman seeking a second-trimester abortion would instead have to submit to more complex and risky medical procedures.

The Guardian

An abortion-rights group challenged Kansas' first-in-the-nation ban on a second-trimester procedure that anti-abortion activists describe as dismembering a fetus.

The Guardian

The lawsuit contends that the procedure is the most common method of ending a pregnancy after 14 weeks, and is used in 95% of second-trimester abortions nationwide.

The Guardian

According to Mr Will, the argument "helpfully validates the right-to-life contention that the pro-abortion argument, which already defends third-trimester abortions, contains no standard for why the killing should be stopped by arbitrarily assigning moral significance to the moment of birth".

The Economist

Roe v Wade's guarantee of first-trimester abortions remains in effect, and the constitution's supremacy clause ensures that when state and federal laws are in conflict, federal law wins.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing pregnancy, specify which "trimester" (first, second, or third) to provide clarity about the stage of development or related health concerns.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "trimesters" are exactly equal in length; while approximately three months, slight variations can occur, especially in the context of pregnancy.

Linguistic Context

The noun "trimester" functions as a countable noun referring to a specific period of time, usually about three months. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in contexts related to pregnancy and academic schedules. It is often used to delineate stages or segments within a larger timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "trimester" refers to a period of three months, commonly used in the context of pregnancy and academic schedules. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples demonstrate its frequency across news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. Best practices suggest specifying the exact "trimester" when discussing pregnancy, whereas common errors involve misunderstanding its precise duration. Alternatives include "three-month period" or "academic term", depending on the context. The term maintains a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for a variety of communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first three months

Directly refers to the initial segment of a pregnancy or academic year.

second three months

Directly refers to the second segment of a pregnancy or academic year.

third three months

Directly refers to the third segment of a pregnancy or academic year.

three-month period

Focuses on the duration aspect, suitable for general contexts where the exact term "trimester" isn't necessary.

three-month phase

Emphasizes a stage or segment lasting three months.

academic term

Specifies the educational context, replacing the more general term.

stage of pregnancy

A broader way to reference the segment of gestation.

gestational period

Replaces "trimester" with another medical term, in the context of pregnancy.

quarter

Similar to "trimester" but often used in business or financial contexts, referring to a three-month period.

term

A more generic term that can refer to any defined period, academic or otherwise.

FAQs

How is "trimester" used in the context of pregnancy?

In pregnancy, "trimester" refers to one of the three approximately three-month periods of gestation. Doctors and expectant parents often refer to the "first trimester", "second trimester", and "third trimester" to mark stages of fetal development and maternal health.

What is the difference between "trimester" and "semester"?

A "trimester" is a period of about three months, often used in academic calendars that divide the year into three terms. A "semester", on the other hand, is a period of about six months, dividing the academic year into two terms.

Are "trimester" and "quarter" interchangeable?

While both "trimester" and "quarter" refer to three-month periods, "trimester" is more commonly used in the context of pregnancy and academic schedules. "Quarter" is frequently used in business or financial contexts.

What are some common health concerns during the "first trimester" of pregnancy?

Common health concerns during the "first trimester" include morning sickness, fatigue, and increased risk of miscarriage. Prenatal care is crucial during this period to monitor both maternal and fetal health.