30 Other Ways to Say “Biweekly” ( With Examples)

In our fast-paced world, communication is key, especially when you’re scheduling meetings, setting reminders, or planning events. The frequency of these is critical, and one term that comes up a lot is biweekly. But what if you wanted to convey the same idea without using the word biweekly? In this article, we’ll look at other ways to say it and understand when it’s appropriate to use them. Language is a beautiful bridge that connects clarity and creativity, especially when expressing time-related ideas. It’s one of those tricky words that can mean twice a week or every two weeks, and this confusion has puzzled professionals, writers, and everyday speakers. Yet, through expressions that help bring precision, elegance, and emotional tone, we can make communication more natural and clear.

As someone who often writes emails, schedules meetings, and plans work schedules, I’ve learned that using creative, romantic, or professional alternatives adds variety and formality depending on context. I often explore 30 natural ways to replace biweekly, whether for a casual chat with friends or crafting poetry. Some people refer to once every two weeks, others to twice a week, so it’s vital to avoid uncertainty. To discuss time-related meanings, I’ve relied on websites like Oxford Dictionaries, Merriam-Webster, and even Duolingo, which provide detailed explanations, usage examples, and interactive lessons in multiple languages. These platforms help improve language skills, practice expressions, and bring precision to everyday use.

Did You Know “Biweekly”?

Did you know that the word “biweekly” dates back to the mid-19th century? It’s derived from the prefix bi- meaning “two” or “twice,” and weekly meaning “occurring every week.” However, this dual meaning—twice a week or every two weeks—makes it one of English’s most commonly misunderstood terms.

In fact, many workplaces, publications, and organizations now avoid using the word biweekly altogether, preferring clearer alternatives like “twice a week” or “fortnightly.” This ensures communication remains precise and avoids any scheduling confusion.

What Does “Biweekly” Mean?

Biweekly can mean either twice per week or once every two weeks, depending on context. The ambiguity arises because “bi” can signify both two times and every two.

For example:

• “The team meets biweekly” could mean every Monday and Thursday, or every other Monday. That’s why using more specific synonyms is often the best choice for clear, professional writing.

Professional or Political Way to Say “Biweekly”

In formal or organizational contexts, using unambiguous terms like “fortnightly,” “every two weeks,” or “semiweekly” is preferred. These terms prevent misinterpretation in reports, contracts, or communications.

In politics or business, precision reflects professionalism. Saying “The committee gathers every two weeks” or “The report is published semiweekly” ensures that your message is not open to misreading.

When to Use “Biweekly”

Use “biweekly” (or its alternatives) when referring to recurring events that happen twice a week or once every two weeks. However, consider the context:

• In workplace schedules → use “every two weeks” for clarity.
• In casual conversation → “fortnightly” works well.
• In publications or payrolls → specify “semiweekly” or “biweekly (every two weeks)” in parentheses.

Synonyms for “Biweekly”

1. Fortnightly
2. Every two weeks
3. Semiweekly
4. Twice a week
5. Every other week
6. Bi-monthly
7. Alternate weeks
8. Twice weekly
9. Every fortnight
10. Two times a week
11. Every second week
12. On a two-week cycle
13. Twice per week
14. Every couple of weeks
15. Bi-weekly schedule
16. Two-week rotation
17. Twice monthly
18. Every 14 days
19. Two-week interval
20. On a bi-weekly basis
21. Twice every week
22. Bi-weekly pattern
23. Every two Fridays (or any fixed weekday)
24. Every other Friday
25. Fortnight cycle
26. Bi-weekly rhythm
27. Every two-week period
28. Fortnight schedule
29. Two-week sequence
30. Bi-weekly cadence

1. Fortnightly

Definition: Occurring or appearing once every two weeks, particularly used in British and Commonwealth English.

Meaning: Happening every fourteen days or twice per month.

Tone: Formal and traditional.

Examples:

1. The magazine is published fortnightly.
2. We have a fortnightly yoga session.
3. Salaries are processed fortnightly.
4. Our team meetings occur fortnightly.
5. He visits his parents fortnightly.

Detailed Explanation: “Fortnightly” provides a classic, elegant feel, especially in British writing. It’s precise and avoids the ambiguity of “biweekly.” Perfect for schedules and publications.

Additional Notes: Common in the UK; rarely used in American English.

2. Every Two Weeks

Definition: A phrase indicating that something happens at intervals of fourteen days between events.

Meaning: Occurs consistently once every second week.

Tone: Clear, neutral, and professional.

Examples:

1. We send reports every two weeks.
2. The cleaning service comes every two weeks.
3. Bills are issued every two weeks.
4. They meet every two weeks for updates.
5. She gets paid every two weeks.

Detailed Explanation: This is the most unambiguous alternative to “biweekly.” It’s suitable for both spoken and written communication, especially in workplaces or contracts.

Additional Notes: Universally understood; ideal for clarity.

3. Semiweekly

Definition: Occurring or appearing twice within a single week, spaced a few days apart.

Meaning: Happening two times in one week.

Tone: Formal, precise, and business-like.

Examples:

1. The newsletter is sent semiweekly.
2. They hold semiweekly team calls.
3. Training happens semiweekly.
4. Our meetings are semiweekly sessions.
5. The updates are released semiweekly.

Detailed Explanation: “Semiweekly” clarifies that an event happens twice per week, not every two weeks—making it ideal for corporate or academic use.

Additional Notes: Avoid confusion by using it only for “twice a week” events.

4. Twice a Week

Definition: A direct expression for something that happens two times in one week period.

Meaning: Occurring two separate times during the same week.

Tone: Simple and conversational.

Examples:

1. I work out twice a week.
2. We meet twice a week for discussions.
3. Classes are held twice a week.
4. She calls twice a week.
5. The garden is watered twice a week.

Detailed Explanation: This phrase removes all ambiguity, making it ideal for friendly, casual, or clear business communication.

Additional Notes: Best for everyday language and informal writing.

5. Every Other Week

Definition: Refers to an activity or event that takes place one week, skips the next, then repeats.

Meaning: Occurring once every two weeks in a repeating cycle.

Tone: Friendly and informal.

Examples:

1. We have brunch every other week.
2. The club meets every other week.
3. They rotate shifts every other week.
4. I visit my grandparents every other week.
5. Payments are made every other week.

Detailed Explanation: This is a natural and popular alternative to “biweekly” in casual English, especially in North America.

Additional Notes: Avoid in formal contracts; better suited for speech or personal communication.

6. Bi-monthly

Definition: Describes an event or publication that happens once every two months, though occasionally confused with twice a month.

Meaning: Usually means happening every two months, not twice a month.

Tone: Formal and business-oriented.

Examples:

1. The bi-monthly report will be released soon.
2. We conduct bi-monthly staff meetings.
3. The magazine is issued bi-monthly.
4. Payments are processed bi-monthly.
5. She attends bi-monthly workshops.

Detailed Explanation: Although similar in structure to “biweekly,” “bi-monthly” typically refers to an every-two-month schedule. Always clarify the intended frequency to avoid confusion.

Additional Notes: Add parentheses in official documents—e.g., “bi-monthly (every two months).”

7. Alternate Weeks

Definition: Refers to activities scheduled one week, then omitted the next, repeating continuously.

Meaning: Happening on every other week.

Tone: Natural, friendly, and moderately formal.

Examples:

1. We meet on alternate weeks.
2. Classes take place on alternate weeks.
3. He visits the office on alternate weeks.
4. Our duties rotate on alternate weeks.
5. The podcast airs on alternate weeks.

Detailed Explanation: This term carries British roots and offers a slightly refined tone compared to “every other week.” It’s flexible for spoken and professional usage.

Additional Notes: Popular in scheduling and academic contexts.

8. Twice Weekly

Definition: A straightforward expression meaning two occurrences within a seven-day period.

Meaning: Taking place two times per week.

Tone: Direct and business-casual.

Examples:

1. We publish blog posts twice weekly.
2. The newsletter goes out twice weekly.
3. They practice twice weekly.
4. She teaches twice weekly lessons.
5. Our check-ins happen twice weekly.

Detailed Explanation: “Twice weekly” is concise yet elegant. It’s frequently used in journalism and business settings where repetition is important.

Additional Notes: Common in American English publications.

9. Every Fortnight

Definition: Describes an event that happens once every fourteen days or two weeks.

Meaning: Occurring once in each two-week span.

Tone: Traditional, poetic, and formal.

Examples:

1. We send invoices every fortnight.
2. The gardeners come every fortnight.
3. She travels home every fortnight.
4. The team reviews data every fortnight.
5. Meetings are held every fortnight.

Detailed Explanation: “Every fortnight” adds a literary charm while maintaining clarity. It’s common in British and Australian English.

Additional Notes: Avoid in American corporate documents due to unfamiliarity.

Read More: Prescribe or Proscribe: Understanding the Difference

10. Two Times a Week

Definition: A phrase signifying that something occurs twice in one week’s timeframe.

Meaning: Happens two times during a single week.

Tone: Informal and plain.

Examples:

1. I jog two times a week.
2. We meet two times a week.
3. Classes are scheduled two times a week.
4. The update is posted two times a week.
5. They eat out two times a week.

Detailed Explanation: An easy, beginner-friendly phrase used in everyday English. Perfect for both speech and simple writing.

Additional Notes: Good replacement when clarity is more important than elegance.

11. Every Second Week

Definition: Refers to something that repeats after skipping one week.

Meaning: Happens once every two weeks.

Tone: Neutral and formal-friendly.

Examples:

1. We meet every second week.
2. The payroll runs every second week.
3. The newsletter is delivered every second week.
4. She visits her family every second week.
5. The inspections occur every second week.

Detailed Explanation: This phrase provides mathematical precision, eliminating confusion around “biweekly.” Ideal for offices or educational contexts.

Additional Notes: Frequently used in European English.

12. On a Two-Week Cycle

Definition: Expresses recurrence based on a repeating two-week pattern.

Meaning: Repeats after a 14-day cycle.

Tone: Technical and professional.

Examples:

1. Payroll operates on a two-week cycle.
2. Cleaning is done on a two-week cycle.
3. They rotate shifts on a two-week cycle.
4. Meetings follow a two-week cycle.
5. Submissions are reviewed on a two-week cycle.

Detailed Explanation: Used often in management or operations, it conveys rhythm and consistency without ambiguity.

Additional Notes: Perfect for project management documents.

13. Twice per Week

Definition: A simple phrase showing an event happens two times within one week.

Meaning: Occurring two times every seven days.

Tone: Clear and conversational.

Examples:

1. We post updates twice per week.
2. The doctor visits twice per week.
3. She trains twice per week.
4. Classes run twice per week.
5. I call my parents twice per week.

Detailed Explanation: Natural and transparent, “twice per week” fits any casual, workplace, or instructional tone.

Additional Notes: Great for social media or newsletters.

14. Every Couple of Weeks

Definition: Used to describe informal timing roughly every two weeks.

Meaning: Around every fourteen days, casually.

Tone: Relaxed and conversational.

Examples:

1. We catch up every couple of weeks.
2. He changes his playlist every couple of weeks.
3. They go hiking every couple of weeks.
4. The blog updates every couple of weeks.
5. She visits her grandmother every couple of weeks.

Detailed Explanation: Adds flexibility and friendliness, suitable for informal speech. It implies regularity without strict precision.

Additional Notes: Avoid in technical or legal writing.

15. Bi-weekly Schedule

Definition: A routine plan organized to repeat every two weeks.

Meaning: Structured recurrence once every fourteen days.

Tone: Corporate and organized.

Examples:

1. Our team follows a bi-weekly schedule.
2. Deliveries run on a bi-weekly schedule.
3. The company has a bi-weekly schedule for updates.
4. Payroll follows a bi-weekly schedule.
5. The newsletter follows a bi-weekly schedule.

Detailed Explanation: Using “schedule” adds a professional nuance that emphasizes structure and timing.

Additional Notes: Best for official or administrative communication.

16. Two-Week Rotation

Definition: Indicates repeating tasks or shifts that rotate every two weeks.

Meaning: A pattern repeating after two weeks.

Tone: Technical and operational.

Examples:

1. Nurses work on a two-week rotation.
2. Teams alternate in a two-week rotation.
3. The schedule runs on a two-week rotation.
4. The staff shifts follow a two-week rotation.
5. Deliveries are arranged in a two-week rotation.

Detailed Explanation: Common in workplaces, “rotation” highlights ongoing cycles of responsibility or scheduling.

Additional Notes: Useful for HR and logistics documentation.

17. Twice Monthly

Definition: Describes events or activities that happen two times every month.

Meaning: Occurs two times per calendar month.

Tone: Semi-formal and elegant.

Examples:

1. The newsletter goes out twice monthly.
2. We meet twice monthly for updates.
3. The group gathers twice monthly.
4. Salaries are processed twice monthly.
5. The club hosts events twice monthly.

Detailed Explanation: While not identical to “biweekly,” it’s a close alternative when speaking of near-fortnightly occurrences.

Additional Notes: Double-check months with five weeks for clarity.

18. Every 14 Days

Definition: Specifies an exact numerical interval between events.

Meaning: Happening at a fixed fourteen-day period.

Tone: Technical, precise, and formal.

Examples:

1. Data updates every 14 days.
2. The service renews every 14 days.
3. Payments are due every 14 days.
4. Meetings recur every 14 days.
5. Reviews occur every 14 days.

Detailed Explanation: Mathematically unambiguous, great for contracts, systems, or policies requiring accuracy.

Additional Notes: Ideal for global or automated settings.

19. Two-Week Interval

Definition: The gap or pause of two weeks between repeating actions.

Meaning: Events separated by a two-week duration.

Tone: Academic or scientific.

Examples:

1. Tests are conducted at a two-week interval.
2. Surveys run at a two-week interval.
3. He attends therapy at a two-week interval.
4. Data collection occurs at a two-week interval.
5. Reviews happen at a two-week interval.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in research, schedules, or documentation requiring measurable timing.

Additional Notes: Excellent for formal and structured writing.

20. Bi-weekly Basis

Definition: Refers to something happening regularly once every two weeks.

Meaning: Conducted consistently in two-week increments.

Tone: Professional and polished.

Examples:

1. We pay employees on a bi-weekly basis.
2. Reports are submitted on a bi-weekly basis.
3. The newsletter runs on a bi-weekly basis.
4. Maintenance occurs on a bi-weekly basis.
5. Feedback sessions happen on a bi-weekly basis.

Detailed Explanation: Adding “basis” emphasizes regularity and professionalism, suitable for reports and administrative text.

Additional Notes: A corporate-sounding variation of “biweekly.”

21. Twice Every Week

Definition: Indicates occurrence two times during the same week.

Meaning: Happens two separate times each week.

Tone: Friendly and direct.

Examples:

1. I cook for them twice every week.
2. We meet twice every week.
3. He checks in twice every week.
4. The newsletter is sent twice every week.
5. The podcast drops twice every week.

Detailed Explanation: A flexible and widely understood phrase that feels natural in both conversation and business.

Additional Notes: Balanced between casual and formal tones.

22. Bi-weekly Pattern

Definition: A predictable two-week rhythm or repetition.

Meaning: Repeating events following a two-week plan.

Tone: Structured and analytical.

Examples:

1. The meetings follow a bi-weekly pattern.
2. Deliveries adhere to a bi-weekly pattern.
3. Our training uses a bi-weekly pattern.
4. The rotation follows a bi-weekly pattern.
5. Reports align with a bi-weekly pattern.

Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes recurrence rather than individual dates, useful for operational planning.

Additional Notes: Good for team planning or workflows.

23. Every Two Fridays (or any day)

Definition: Used when an event repeats on the same weekday every second week.

Meaning: Happens on a fixed day biweekly.

Tone: Practical and informal.

Examples:

1. We meet every two Fridays.
2. The class occurs every two Mondays.
3. Lunch happens every two Thursdays.
4. Reports are due every two Wednesdays.
5. Calls take place every two Tuesdays.

Detailed Explanation: Specifying the day provides clarity while maintaining an easygoing tone.

Additional Notes: Ideal for scheduling meetings or gatherings.

24. Every Other Friday

Definition: Something that occurs one Friday, skips the next, and repeats.

Meaning: Happens on alternate Fridays.

Tone: Conversational.

Examples:

1. We have meetings every other Friday.
2. Payroll runs every other Friday.
3. They go out every other Friday.
4. The show airs every other Friday.
5. We host events every other Friday.

Detailed Explanation: Popular in speech, especially for workplace routines. Prevents confusion about timing.

Additional Notes: Easily adaptable to any weekday.

25. Fortnight Cycle

Definition: A repeating system or routine measured in two-week intervals.

Meaning: Happens within a recurring two-week span.

Tone: Technical and concise.

Examples:

1. The updates follow a fortnight cycle.
2. Payroll runs on a fortnight cycle.
3. We clean on a fortnight cycle.
4. Classes rotate in a fortnight cycle.
5. The program repeats on a fortnight cycle.

Detailed Explanation: Combines British elegance with structure. Appropriate for reports and scheduling.

Additional Notes: Best used in Commonwealth English.

26. Bi-weekly Rhythm

Definition: Describes a repeating two-week tempo or flow of activity.

Meaning: Recurrence established every fourteen days.

Tone: Poetic and creative.

Examples:

1. Their meetings have a bi-weekly rhythm.
2. Love letters followed a bi-weekly rhythm.
3. The production has a bi-weekly rhythm.
4. The updates follow a bi-weekly rhythm.
5. The team keeps a bi-weekly rhythm.

Detailed Explanation: Ideal for writing or storytelling, adding emotion and pace to the sense of time.

Additional Notes: Adds warmth to creative or spiritual contexts.

27. Every Two Week Period

Definition: Defines actions or events measured within a fourteen-day span.

Meaning: Occurring at each two-week interval.

Tone: Neutral and factual.

Examples:

1. Data is updated every two week period.
2. They review progress every two week period.
3. We rotate roles every two week period.
4. The report is issued every two week period.
5. Meetings happen every two week period.

Detailed Explanation: Useful in documentation requiring measurable and repeatable schedules.

Additional Notes: Avoid redundancy in writing by simplifying where possible.

28. Fortnight Schedule

Definition: A recurring plan or timetable spanning two weeks.

Meaning: Organized around a two-week time block.

Tone: Professional and British-leaning.

Examples:

1. The school follows a fortnight schedule.
2. Maintenance runs on a fortnight schedule.
3. We plan projects by a fortnight schedule.
4. Payroll follows a fortnight schedule.
5. The office operates on a fortnight schedule.

Detailed Explanation: Combines clarity with traditional charm. Especially common in education and business in the UK.

Additional Notes: Interchangeable with “two-week schedule.”

29. Two-Week Sequence

Definition: An ordered process that repeats every two weeks.

Meaning: Recurrence structured in fourteen-day sets.

Tone: Analytical and logical.

Examples:

1. Tasks follow a two-week sequence.
2. Reports align with a two-week sequence.
3. Audits happen on a two-week sequence.
4. Data collection runs in a two-week sequence.
5. Meetings occur on a two-week sequence.

Detailed Explanation: Highlights systematic organization, making it ideal for research, workflow, or production settings.

Additional Notes: Adds precision to procedural writing.

30. Bi-weekly Cadence

Definition: Represents a consistent two-week rhythm or repetition of actions.

Meaning: Pattern or pace repeating every two weeks.

Tone: Modern, creative, and motivational.

Examples:

1. The team keeps a bi-weekly cadence.
2. Marketing follows a bi-weekly cadence.
3. Their love letters arrived with bi-weekly cadence.
4. The meetings move in a bi-weekly cadence.
5. Updates are shared with bi-weekly cadence.

Detailed Explanation: Often used in agile workflows, “cadence” expresses harmony and rhythm. It suits modern corporate and creative writing alike.

Additional Notes: Adds style and fluidity to professional language.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is “biweekly” the same as “fortnightly”?

Not exactly. “Fortnightly” always means every two weeks, while “biweekly” can mean either twice a week or every two weeks depending on context.

2. Which is more professional: biweekly or every two weeks?

“Every two weeks” is clearer and more professional because it removes all possible confusion.

3. How can I use biweekly in emails without confusion?

Use clarification like: “biweekly (every two weeks)” to ensure everyone understands your schedule.

4. Is “semiweekly” the same as biweekly?

No. “Semiweekly” means twice a week, while “biweekly” can mean once every two weeks. They are opposites.

5. What’s the best casual alternative to biweekly?

“Every other week” or “every couple of weeks” work beautifully in casual speech or friendly writing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right way to say “biweekly” enhances clarity, tone, and emotion in communication. From the formal elegance of “fortnightly” to the relaxed charm of “every couple of weeks”, these alternatives adapt to every mood—professional, poetic, or personal.

Language is about connection, not confusion. Using these 30 alternatives allows your words to flow clearly and meaningfully, ensuring your audience always understands both your schedule and your style.