Are you confused about the difference between fortnightly and biweekly? You’re not alone! These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of fortnightly and biweekly, and clarify which one is the proper word to use in different contexts.
First off, let’s define our terms. Fortnightly means occurring every two weeks. Biweekly also means occurring every two weeks. Wait, what? Yes, you read that right – both words can mean the same thing! However, biweekly can also mean occurring twice a week. This is where things can get confusing.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the definition of biweekly as occurring every two weeks, since that’s the most common usage. So, to summarize:
- Fortnightly: Occurring every two weeks
- Biweekly: Occurring every two weeks (or twice a week, but we’re not talking about that in this article!)
Now that we’ve got that cleared up, let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two words.
Define Fortnightly
Fortnightly is an adjective that refers to something that occurs every two weeks. The term is derived from the Old English word “feowertyne niht,” which means “fourteen nights.” It is commonly used to describe activities that happen twice a month, such as pay periods or magazine publications.
Define Biweekly
Biweekly is an adjective that refers to something that occurs every two weeks. The term is derived from the Latin word “bis,” which means “twice,” and “hebdomas,” which means “week.” Biweekly can be used to describe events that happen twice a month, but it can also refer to events that happen every other week. This can cause confusion because some people interpret biweekly as meaning “twice a week,” which is not accurate.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using the words fortnightly and biweekly in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they differ. While both words refer to something that occurs every two weeks, they can be used in different contexts and have different implications.
How To Use Fortnightly In A Sentence
Fortnightly is an adverb that means occurring every two weeks. It is commonly used in the context of pay periods or scheduled events. Here are some examples of how to use fortnightly in a sentence:
- Employees at this company are paid fortnightly.
- The magazine is published fortnightly.
- The team meets fortnightly to discuss progress.
As you can see from these examples, fortnightly is often used to describe a regular occurrence that happens every two weeks. It can also be used as an adjective, as in “fortnightly pay” or “fortnightly meetings.”
How To Use Biweekly In A Sentence
Biweekly is an adjective that also means occurring every two weeks. However, it can be used in two different ways, which can lead to confusion. Biweekly can mean either:
- Occurring every two weeks (the same as fortnightly)
- Occurring twice a week
Because of this ambiguity, it’s important to be clear about which meaning you intend when using biweekly in a sentence. Here are some examples of how to use biweekly in a sentence:
- Employees at this company are paid biweekly (meaning every two weeks).
- The team meets biweekly (meaning every two weeks) to discuss progress.
- The fitness class meets biweekly (meaning twice a week) on Mondays and Wednesdays.
As you can see, it’s important to provide context when using biweekly in a sentence to avoid confusion. If you mean “twice a week,” it’s better to use a different word, such as “semiweekly.”
More Examples Of Fortnightly & Biweekly Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between fortnightly and biweekly, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of each:
Examples Of Using Fortnightly In A Sentence
- She receives her paycheck fortnightly, which means every two weeks.
- The magazine is published fortnightly, so you can expect a new issue every other week.
- Our team has a fortnightly meeting to discuss our progress and goals.
- He pays his rent fortnightly, so he only has to budget for half of the monthly amount at a time.
- The cleaning service comes to our office fortnightly to keep it tidy and organized.
- They have a fortnightly book club where they discuss their favorite novels.
- The company offers a fortnightly delivery service for their products.
- She schedules her appointments with her therapist fortnightly to maintain her mental health.
- The school sends out a fortnightly newsletter to keep parents informed.
- He updates his blog fortnightly with new content.
Examples Of Using Biweekly In A Sentence
- The team has a biweekly meeting to discuss their progress and goals.
- She receives her paycheck biweekly, which means every two weeks.
- The magazine is published biweekly, so you can expect a new issue every other week.
- He pays his rent biweekly, so he only has to budget for half of the monthly amount at a time.
- The cleaning service comes to our office biweekly to keep it tidy and organized.
- They have a biweekly book club where they discuss their favorite novels.
- The company offers a biweekly delivery service for their products.
- She schedules her appointments with her therapist biweekly to maintain her mental health.
- The school sends out a biweekly newsletter to keep parents informed.
- He updates his blog biweekly with new content.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the terms fortnightly and biweekly, people often use them interchangeably without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using Fortnightly And Biweekly To Mean The Same Thing
Fortnightly means once every two weeks, while biweekly means either twice a week or once every two weeks. Using these terms interchangeably can cause confusion and miscommunication.
| Term | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fortnightly | Once every two weeks |
| Biweekly | Either twice a week or once every two weeks |
2. Assuming Fortnightly And Biweekly Mean The Same Thing In Different Regions
While fortnightly and biweekly are often used interchangeably in some regions, it’s important to note that they have different meanings. For example, in the United States, biweekly usually means twice a week, while in the United Kingdom, biweekly usually means once every two weeks.
3. Using “Bi-monthly” Instead Of “Bimonthly”
Another common mistake is using “bi-monthly” instead of “bimonthly.” “Bi-monthly” can be interpreted as either twice a month or once every two months, while “bimonthly” specifically means once every two months.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Use the terms fortnightly and biweekly correctly by understanding their meanings.
- When communicating with others, clarify which term you are using and what it means.
- Double-check your use of “bimonthly” to ensure you are using the correct term.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the terms “fortnightly” and “biweekly,” context plays a crucial role. The decision between the two depends on the situation in which they are used. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between fortnightly and biweekly might change.
Payroll
In the context of payroll, the choice between fortnightly and biweekly can have significant implications. Fortnightly pay means that employees are paid every two weeks, while biweekly pay means that employees are paid twice a month. The difference between the two is that fortnightly pay results in 26 paychecks per year, while biweekly pay results in 24 paychecks per year. This can affect an employee’s budgeting and financial planning, so it’s important for employers to choose the right option for their employees.
Meetings
When scheduling meetings, the choice between fortnightly and biweekly can also depend on the context. For example, if a team is working on a project that requires frequent updates, fortnightly meetings may be more appropriate. However, if the team has a lot of work to do and needs more time to complete tasks, biweekly meetings may be more effective.
Magazines
Magazines often use the terms “fortnightly” and “biweekly” to indicate the frequency of publication. In this context, fortnightly means that the magazine is published every two weeks, while biweekly means that the magazine is published twice a week. The choice between the two depends on the content of the magazine and the target audience. For example, a magazine that covers current events may benefit from a biweekly publication schedule, while a magazine that covers niche topics may do better with a fortnightly schedule.
As we can see, the choice between fortnightly and biweekly depends on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the implications of each term and choose the one that best suits the situation at hand.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using fortnightly and biweekly are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these terms might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Payroll
In payroll, the terms fortnightly and biweekly can have different meanings depending on the company’s pay schedule. For example, a company that pays its employees every two weeks might use the term biweekly, while a company that pays its employees twice a month might use the term fortnightly. It’s important to clarify the company’s pay schedule to avoid confusion.
2. Magazine Publications
In the world of magazine publications, the terms fortnightly and biweekly can have different meanings as well. A magazine that publishes every two weeks might use the term biweekly, while a magazine that publishes twice a month might use the term fortnightly. It’s important to check the publication’s schedule to determine which term they use.
3. International Usage
Fortnightly and biweekly can also have different meanings depending on the country. In some countries, fortnightly means every two weeks, while in others it means twice a month. The same goes for biweekly. It’s important to clarify the meaning of these terms when dealing with international clients or partners.
4. Contextual Usage
Finally, the usage of fortnightly and biweekly can also depend on the context in which they are used. For example, a biweekly meeting might mean every two weeks, while a biweekly magazine might mean twice a month. It’s important to clarify the context in which these terms are being used to avoid confusion.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- We have a team meeting ____________.
- The magazine is published ____________.
- The rent is due ____________.
- I get paid ____________.
| Answer Key: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortnightly | biweekly | fortnightly | biweekly |
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences using the opposite word:
- I receive a paycheck biweekly.
- The cleaning service comes fortnightly.
- The newsletter is sent out fortnightly.
- The garbage is picked up biweekly.
| Answer Key: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I receive a paycheck fortnightly. | The cleaning service comes biweekly. | The newsletter is sent out biweekly. | The garbage is picked up fortnightly. |
These practice exercises will help you to become more comfortable using fortnightly and biweekly in your writing and speaking. By practicing with these exercises, you will improve your understanding of the differences between these two words and be able to use them more effectively in your communication.
Conclusion
After discussing the difference between fortnightly and biweekly, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings.
Fortnightly refers to something that occurs every two weeks, while biweekly can mean either occurring twice a week or every two weeks. It is important to understand the context in which these terms are being used to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.
When it comes to grammar and language use, precision is key. Using the correct term can make all the difference in conveying your message effectively. As with any aspect of language, it is important to continue learning and expanding your knowledge to improve your communication skills.
So, whether you’re a writer, editor, or just someone who wants to improve their language use, keep exploring and learning. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to express yourself and connect with others.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.