It’s not a historical period I’m particularly interested in, but I was drawn into a listening to an account of King Charles II’s escape in the 1600s (see Video). An interesting phrase jarred me out of my lull. At minute 24:33 the narrator says “After around a fortnight…” To my American ear it seemed completely out of context because I heard, “After a round of Fortnight…”

Was King Charles II playing video games while he was on the run? Of course not. But the brief misunderstanding is a reminder of the pitfalls to clear communication. The challenge is to be understood most of the time.

Are there alternatives to this phrase? I think the British term fortnight is suitable. Regardless of the video game known as Fortnight, Brits and many Americans understand it describes a period of two weeks. Taylor Swift is quite the wordsmith. Her song Fortnight released in 2024 uses clear phrasing that establishes a fortnight is a period of time.

Some clearer alternatives are,

After nearly a fortnight…
After more than a fortnight…
“For a fortnight…” (a Taylor Swift option)
During a fortnight…

Video: How Did Charles II Escape Cromwell’s Forces?

History Calling, “How Did Charles II Escape Cromwell’s Forces? The tree that saved a King | History of the Royal Oak,” YouTube, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHlR7cVNHYM : accessed 14 November 2024).

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About Author

Vanessa Wood is located in Connecticut. She writes on genealogical topics. She enjoys researching families in California, Tennessee, and Virginia. She is a DAR member and a member of the California and Tennessee genealogical societies. Vanessa is the author of the book Pryor Wives: Stories of Family, Fortune, and Fiasco. Her books are available on Amazon.com.

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