If you are trying to master the English language, some of the words that you are likely to come across include the words ‘annual’ and ‘yearly’. To start with, these words are used in reference to a period of 12 months. In most cases, they are mostly used to refer to things that take place once within a period of 12 months. However, they are used in different contexts.
For instance, the word annual is mostly used as an adjective while its counterpart is mostly used as an adverb. However, they both bring out the sense of every year or every 12 months. In this article, we shall demystify these terms further to better understanding:
What Does the Word ‘Annual’ Mean?
Like we mentioned above, the word annual is used to refer to things that happen once every year. Technically, a year usually has 12 months, and as a result, it can be used to refer to something that takes place once after 12 months. In most cases, this word can be used to refer to an event or a publication that occurs once in 12 months. Better still, it can be used to refer to something that lasts one season or one year. It is imperative to note that the word annual can be used both as a noun and as an adjective.
What Does the Word ‘Yearly’ Mean?
The above-mentioned word is not very different from the word ‘annual’. In fact, both words have the same meaning as the former is also used to refer to something that happens once after every 12 months or one year. For instance, you can say that ‘Peter gets a yearly income of $500. Also, you can say that ‘Christmas is a yearly celebration’. The word ‘yearly’ can both be used as an adverb or a noun.
Main Differences Between the Word ‘Annual’ And ‘Yearly ‘
Although these words bring out the sense of something being done or happening once every 12 months, there is a difference between them. The main difference between these two words is how they are used. As illustrated above, the word ‘annual’ can be used as an adjective and a noun. On the other hand, the word ‘yearly’ can be used as an adverb and a noun. Here are some examples that can help illustrate this:
Annual as an adjective:
- An annual salary
- The headmistress read out the annual report
- She opted to attend the annual fare near her town
- The annual profits for this year had increased by 7%.
Annual as a noun:
- I read their magazine, but I was not able to purchase the annuals
- I am planting my annuals in the coming season.
For instance, when the word annual is used as a noun, it can mean a publication, journal, book or a report that is published once a year. Besides this, when used as a noun, it can refer to plants whose lifespan is one growing season or one year.
The word ‘yearly’ can be used as an adverb. Here are the examples:
- The interest is paid yearly
- We always get a yearly pay rise increase
- We shall not have our yearly meeting in London
Besides being used as an adverb, the word ‘yearly’ can also be used as an adjective. Here are some examples to illustrate it:
- The government sets a yearly budget for the health sector
- They paid $300 yearly for utilizing our facilities.
- He went for his yearly medical examination yesterday.
Finally, the word ‘yearly’ can be used to show a publication or an event that takes place once every 12 months.
Final Thoughts
Although the words ‘annual’ and ‘yearly’ have the same meaning, they are used in different contexts. It is essential that you know the differences mentioned above so as to avoid making mistakes or passing the wrong message. By noting these differences, you will no longer confuse these two terms.
