about twice as large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about twice as large" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of two objects or quantities, indicating that one is approximately double the size of the other. Example: "The new building is about twice as large as the old one, providing more space for the growing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Xerox said two weeks ago that the loss was about twice as large as forecast.

The New York Times

By the way, the population of New York City is about twice as large as America's total farm population.

The New York Times

Twenty years ago, the hit to the economy from higher oil prices was only about twice as large as what we're seeing now.

The New York Times

The project, Mr. Halka said, is about twice as large as any other in the company's 54-year history, when it comes to large trees.

The New York Times

In 2012, fast-food CEOs earned 1,200 times as much as the average employee, about twice as large as most other sectors.

The Guardian - Business

In July, I visited Pashmul's police base, a small installation about twice as large as a tennis court and surrounded by ditches and razor wire.

The New Yorker

The buyback is about twice as large as analysts were expecting, said Andrew Whittock, an analyst at Liberum Capital in London, in a research note.

The New York Times

Because it is about twice as large as a regular drink, customers are usually given the cocktail shaker and invited to pour the drink themselves.

The New York Times - Food

At almost two-fifths of Scottish government spending, the NHS looms about twice as large as it does in Britain as a whole.

The Economist

The disparity has existed for decades but it is now about twice as large as it was in 1990, based on an analysis by The New York Times.

The New York Times

Moreover, the coefficient to medium- and long-term stay of mothers is about twice as large as for fathers.

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about twice as large", ensure the comparison is clear and the items being compared are easily identifiable. For instance, 'The new stadium is "about twice as large" as the old one, offering significantly more seating.'

Common error

Avoid using "about twice as large" without a clear point of reference. Instead of saying 'The building is "about twice as large"', specify 'The building is "about twice as large" as the previous structure'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about twice as large" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase used for comparative description. It modifies a noun by indicating its size relative to another entity. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about twice as large" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that one object or quantity is approximately double the size of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, from scientific publications to news articles. While the phrase is prevalent in both science and news media, it's essential to maintain clarity and ensure the items being compared are well-defined. Consider alternatives like "approximately double in size" or "roughly two times bigger" to add variety to your writing. Remember, precision is key, so if exactness matters, "twice as large" might be more suitable, otherwise "about twice as large" serves perfectly for approximate comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately double in size

Replaces "about twice" with "approximately double", maintaining the meaning but using different wording.

roughly two times bigger

Substitutes "about twice as large" with "roughly two times bigger", offering a more informal tone.

nearly double the magnitude

Replaces "about twice as large" with "nearly double the magnitude", suitable for abstract or quantifiable concepts.

almost twice the dimensions

Uses "almost" instead of "about" and "dimensions" instead of "size", implying a physical attribute.

in the ballpark of double the size

Adds "in the ballpark of", suggesting an estimate close to double.

around twofold greater

Replaces "about twice" with "around twofold", creating a slightly more technical expression.

Double the scale, more or less

Emphasizes uncertainty using "more or less", indicating an approximation of double the scale.

effectively double the area

Specifies "area" as the attribute being doubled and uses "effectively" to soften the claim.

virtually twice the capacity

Focuses on "capacity" and uses "virtually" to indicate a near doubling.

in essence, a doubling of the volume

Highlights "volume" and emphasizes the doubling effect using "in essence".

FAQs

How can I use "about twice as large" in a sentence?

You can use "about twice as large" to compare the size of two objects or quantities, indicating that one is approximately double the size of the other. For example, "The new office is "about twice as large" as the old one".

What phrases are similar to "about twice as large"?

Similar phrases include "approximately double in size", "roughly two times bigger", or "nearly double the magnitude".

Is it more appropriate to say "twice as large" or "about twice as large"?

While "twice as large" implies an exact doubling, "about twice as large" indicates an approximation. Use "about twice as large" when the size difference is not precise but close to double.

Can "about twice as large" be used for abstract concepts as well as physical objects?

Yes, "about twice as large" can be used for both. For example, you can say, "The budget for this project is "about twice as large" as last year's budget", indicating a substantial increase.