“In Two Weeks”や“Two Weeks Later”の違いは？英語の時間表現をわかりやすく解説
English has many time expressions that sound similar but have different meanings. Students often ask about phrases like “in two weeks” and “two weeks later” - and it’s easy to get confused.
In this post, we’ll look at the differences between “in two weeks”, “two weeks later”, “over the next two weeks”, and “for two weeks” with some simple explanations and examples.
1. In Two Weeks
This phrase means two weeks from now. It starts from today and looks into the future.
Examples:
“I have a dentist appointment in two weeks.” (Two weeks from today)
“The festival will begin in two weeks.” (The start is two weeks from now)
This is used when you’re looking forward from today.
2. Two Weeks Later
This means two weeks after a past (or future) event. It’s not about today - it’s about something happening after another event.
Examples:
“She moved to London. Two weeks later, she found a job.”
“The letter was sent on April 1st. It arrived two weeks later.”
Think of this as part of a story or timeline, not something scheduled from today.
3. Over the Next Two Weeks
This phrase means a period of continuing time that starts now and continues for two weeks. It talks about something that will continue to happen for two weeks, starting today.
Examples:
“We’ll be preparing for the exam over the next two weeks.”
“There will be heavy rain over the next two weeks.”
This is useful when talking about plans, changes, or progress that happens little by little.
4. For Two Weeks
This shows how long something continues. The action or situation lasts for the full two weeks.
Examples:
“I stayed in Paris for two weeks.”
“She didn’t go to work for two weeks because she was sick.”
This is about duration, not when something starts.
Quick Practice
Which phrase fits each sentence?
1. We’ll be working on the new project ______.
2. I’ll call you ______.
3. He travelled around Japan ______ and visited five cities.
4. They got married in March. ______, they moved to Canada.
Final Tips
• Use “in two weeks” when talking about two weeks from now.
• Use “two weeks later” when something happens after another event.
• Use “over the next two weeks” when something will continue or happen during that time.
• Use “for two weeks” to talk about how long something lasts.
Getting these right will help you speak more clearly and naturally, especially when talking about plans, events, and timelines.
Answers:
over the next two weeks
in two weeks
for two weeks
two weeks later