once every four years vs every four years

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Once every four years' emphasizes the singular occurrence within a four-year period, while 'every four years' simply states the frequency of an event happening. The choice between them depends on whether you want to highlight the specific occurrence or just the regular interval.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 2258 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to emphasize a singular occurrence within a four-year period.

"once every four years"

This phrase is used to highlight a specific event that happens only once within a four-year cycle.

Examples:

The Olympics are held once every four years.
The World Cup takes place once every four years.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's only held once every four years, this.
You know, Barack actually works for mine, too, because it's gradually moving a little more to the left, and people only ask for it about once every four years.
Sampling and analysis must be carried out at least once every four years for each homogeneous area of the farm, with regard to crop rotation and soil characteristics.
Nitrogen and phosphorous analysis in soil shall be performed for each farm at least once every four years for each parcel.
9. "abnormal situation" means an event or combination of events impacting on bathing water quality at the location concerned and not expected to occur on average more than once every four years;
Sampling and analysis shall be carried out before 1 June at least once every four years for phosphorus and for nitrogen for each homogeneous area of the farm, with regard to crop rotation and soil characteristics.
I gave him the key about four years ago, so what is that? Once every four years.
Sampling and analysis must be carried out at least once every four years for each homogeneous area of the farm, with regard to crop rotation and soil characteristics.
Furthermore, unlike commercial fisheries for instance, it is not a continuous activity. On average sand replenishment is carried out on each site once every four years, and takes between a few weeks and several months.
My birthday is February 29th, so I only get one real birthday, you know, once every four years.
Would the Council explore the possibility of promoting a European Union football championship, once every four years, outside of a World Cup or European Championship year?
16(1): Auditors, accountants and auditing and accounting firms must undergo an external peer review at least once every four years.

Alternatives:

every four years

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate the regular frequency of an event happening every four years.

"every four years"

This phrase is used to describe events that occur at regular intervals of four years.

Examples:

The presidential elections are held every four years.
The leap year occurs every four years.

Show examples from the web [+]

An overall evaluation should be issued by the Commission every four years.
Authorizations shall be reviewed at least every four years.
And for these Americans, government is more than just a presidential election every four years.
He calls it the Doug-lympics, which might make sense if he did it every four years, or if his name was Al.
The Commission proposes to review the management plan every four years.
I further agree with the Commission that the management plan should be reviewed every four years on the basis of STECF advice.
It's only held once every four years, this.
Reviews should take place every four years.
But, these lessons aren't good just for every four years.
Except every four years when the World Cup comes around.
However, I do rent one every four years for the Winter Olympics.
They shall notify the Commission of the results of this assessment, every four years.
Jerry only gets a real birthday every four years.
I can be spontaneous every four years.
The World Cup is played every four years.
That's how I like to celebrate 'em, every four years.
They're in separate leagues, so they only play each other one game maybe every four years.
I do make a new film, like, every four years or so.
How can I put this? Imagine if the Holocaust happened every four years like the Olympics.
The Member States shall collect all the necessary information and prepare a report every four years in accordance with the calendar set out in the Annex.

Alternatives:

once every four years

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once every four years vs every four years