Bi-weekly vs Semi-weekly
What’s the difference between them?
Bi-weekly
Meaning:
Bi-weekly means occurring or done every two weeks.
Examples:
1. I get paid bi-weekly.
2. We have bi-weekly meetings to review progress.
3. I'm going to set up a bi-weekly reminder so I don't forget to pay bills.
Semi-weekly
Meaning:
Semi-weekly means occurring twice a week.
Examples:
1. The semi-weekly meeting takes place on Mondays and Thursdays.
2. The semi-weekly newspaper was delivered to our doorstep every Tuesday and Friday.
3. She tried to keep up with the news by reading the semi-weekly magazine.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Bi-weekly
1. Fortnightly
2. Semi-monthly
3. Twice a month
4. Every other week
5. Alternate weeks
1. Weekly
2. Monthly
3. Annually
4. Continuously
5. Rarely
Semi-weekly
1. Twice a week
2. Every other day
3. Every couple of days
4. Bi-fortnightly
5. Periodically
6. Alternating days
1. Daily
2. Annually
3. Fortnightly
4. Monthly
5. Rarely
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Bi-weekly", "Semi-weekly".
1. Bi-weekly means every two weeks.
2. Semi-weekly means twice a week.
3. A practical tip for remembering the difference between bi-weekly and semi-weekly is to remember that bi-weekly is a longer time period than semi-weekly.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'Bi-weekly' be used?
'Bi-weekly' typically refers to something that happens every two weeks, such as a meeting or a pay cycle. For example, a company can have bi-weekly staff meetings or a bi-weekly pay schedule.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'Semi-weekly'?
'Semi-weekly' typically refers to something that happens twice a week, such as a delivery service that comes twice a week or a newspaper that publishes twice a week.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are pronounced differently. 'Bi-weekly' is pronounced with three syllables, as 'buy-week-lee', whereas 'Semi-weekly' is pronounced with four syllables, as 'semi-week-lee'.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
The most common mistake people make when using these two words is confusing 'Bi-weekly' with 'Semi-weekly'. This is often because the two words look similar and are related to time periods. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to remember that 'Bi-weekly' refers to something that happens every two weeks, while 'Semi-weekly' refers to something that happens twice a week.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The company pays its employees on a ___ basis.
2. Our team has ___ meetings to discuss project progress.
3. The magazine is published ___.
4. The gardener comes to trim the hedges ___ during the summer months.
5. I started attending yoga classes ___ to improve my flexibility.
6. The newsletter is sent out ___ to all the club members.
1. bi-weekly
Explanation: The company pays its employees on a bi-weekly basis is a common practice where employees are paid every two weeks.
2. semi-weekly
Explanation: If meetings occur to discuss progress, its likely theyre held more frequently, i.e., twice a week, so semi-weekly is the most appropriate choice.
3. bi-weekly
Explanation: Magazines are typically published less frequently than newspapers. So, bi-weekly or every two weeks, is a more likely frequency for a magazine.
4. semi-weekly
Explanation: The phrase during the summer months hints at the hedges growing faster due to the season and therefore might need more frequent maintenance, so semi-weekly or twice a week, is the suitable choice.
5. semi-weekly
Explanation: Attending yoga classes twice a week is a reasonable frequency for someone looking to improve flexibility, so semi-weekly fits best.
6. bi-weekly
Explanation: Newsletters, especially for club members, are typically not sent out too frequently to avoid overwhelming the recipients. Therefore, every two weeks or bi-weekly is a more appropriate frequency.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.