twice a day vs twice every day

hirashin

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8 Apr 2004

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• #1

Dear native English speakers,
Which would be used? I think (a) would be fine.
(a) Take this medicine twice a day.
(b) Take this medicine twice every day.
(c) Take this medicine two times a day.
(d) Take this medicine two times every day.
(e) Have this medicine twice a day.

Hirashin

 

Lacota

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3 Aug 2015

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• 6 Jan 2016

• #2

Each option suggests the same routine, really. (a) would be more commonly used when a doctor prescribes something. Although each option suggests a course of action, (a) is used when it is common knowledge that it is to be repeated over a period of time. Of course (b) is more descriptive, but it isn't usually needed. So I think you are correct in choosing (a). As a side note; (c) could be used in the same way as (a) - although isn't as natural sounding.

 

hirashin

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• #3

Thanks for the help, Lacota.
Would (e) be used as well?

 

Lacota

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• #4

hirashin said:

Thanks for the help, Lacota.
Would (e) be used as well?

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Yes, it could be used but it sounds a bit authoritative and demanding. Unless the doctor is in a bad mood, you probably wouldn't hear them say it quite like that. But grammatically there is nothing wrong with (e) - it is much the same as (a), really.

 

hirashin

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• #5

Thanks, Lacota.

 

Lacota

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• #6

hirashin said:

Thanks, Lacota.

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Pleasure.

 

J

johnnyG

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• #7

Drop (e), it's out of place here. The others are pretty much the same.

 

hirashin

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• #8

Thanks for the help, johnnyG. Do you think (e) is different from (a) ?

 

mdchachi

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• 9 Jan 2016

• #9

hirashin said:

Thanks for the help, johnnyG. Do you think (e) is different from (a) ?

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Meaning is the same but it sounds unnatural.

 

hirashin

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• #10

Thanks, mdchachi. I'd like to hear Lacota's opinion.

 

Lacota

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• 11 Jan 2016

• #11

hirashin said:

Thanks, mdchachi. I'd like to hear Lacota's opinion.

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As I previously stated, they share the same meaning but (a) is much more common in a polite situation. I agree completely with mdchachi.

 

hirashin

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• #12

Thanks,
Lacota.

 

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johnnyG

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• #13

You can "have" a meal (or food) twice a day, but not medicine.

I'd understand, but it's awkward. I'd correct it if I got it on a paper from one of my students.

 

hirashin

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• #14

Thanks, johnnyG.