twice per year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "twice per year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs two times within a year. Example: "The company holds performance reviews twice per year to assess employee progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

20.109 is offered twice per year, with rotating instructor responsibilities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Twice per year, in the fall and the spring.

University of California, Berkeley

Proposals for RVP support are solicited internally twice per year.

Harvard University

A call for proposals is issued twice per year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Solicit classmates by signing letters and emails twice per year.

Yale University

Earthworms were sampled twice per year using a combination of mustard extraction and handsorting.

Pedobiologia

Sampling was carried out during 1-week periods twice per year for 3 years.

Forest Ecology and Management

Awards are given twice per year in the Fall and Spring terms.

Columbia University

Started as an annual publication, it transitioned to publication twice per year, in fall and spring.

Cornell University

The legislature meets twice per year, each session lasting no less than four months.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Drug Enforcement Administration runs take-back programs twice per year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "twice per year" when you want to clearly and directly state that something happens two times within a 365-day period. It's less ambiguous than "bi-annually", which can sometimes mean every two years.

Common error

Avoid using "bi-annually" if you mean every two years. "Bi-annually" most commonly means "twice per year", while "biennially" definitively means every two years. To prevent misinterpretation, use "twice per year" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "twice per year" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates how frequently an action or event occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

Science

31%

News & Media

24%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "twice per year" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something occurs two times within a year. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It appears frequently in academic, scientific, and news contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While alternatives like "bi-annually" and "semi-annually" exist, "twice per year" offers greater clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations. To ensure clear communication, especially in formal writing, "twice per year" is often the preferred choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bi-annually

This is a single word alternative that means the same as the original phrase. It can be more concise.

semi-annually

Another single word alternative that is interchangeable with "bi-annually" and the original phrase.

every six months

This phrase specifies the interval between occurrences, providing a clearer understanding of the frequency.

two times a year

A more literal alternative that breaks down the phrase into its component parts.

twice yearly

A slightly more formal phrasing that maintains the same meaning.

on two occasions per year

This option emphasizes the separate instances within the year.

two times each year

Similar to "two times a year", it reorders the words slightly for a different flow.

at six-month intervals

This specifies the exact spacing between the two occurrences within the year.

two times within the year

This adds a bit more emphasis to the yearly timeframe.

on a semi-annual basis

A more formal and business-oriented phrasing of the same concept.

FAQs

What does "twice per year" mean?

The phrase "twice per year" means that something happens two times during a period of 365 days. It indicates a frequency of occurrence.

Is it better to say "twice per year" or "bi-annually"?

While "bi-annually" is shorter, "twice per year" is clearer and avoids potential confusion, as "bi-annually" can sometimes be misinterpreted to mean every two years. Choose the option that best suits your audience and context.

Are there more formal alternatives to "twice per year"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "semi-annually" or using the phrase "on a semi-annual basis".

How can I use "twice per year" in a sentence?

You can use "twice per year" to describe the frequency of events, such as "The company conducts performance reviews "twice per year"" or "We offer the course "twice per year", in the spring and fall".