Vanessa WoodIt’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).
