almost double the extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost double the extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two quantities or measurements, indicating that one is nearly twice as large as the other. Example: "The new policy has almost double the extent of coverage compared to the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Following the resolution by the Convention on Biological Diversity to almost double the extent of the world's protected areas by 2020 (Normile, 2010; UNEP/CBD, 2010), there will be widespread demand for methods and operational models by which conservation resources can be allocated spatially in an effective manner.

Biological Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We almost doubled the membership".

The New York Times

Demand was almost double the amount sold.

The New York Times

It issued 254,329, almost double the 1990 figure.

The New York Times

Its national debt is almost double the permitted limit.

The New York Times

This is almost double the 319 received five years ago.

The Times

That is almost double the median rate nationally.

The Washington Post

This is almost double the 36m dispensed a decade ago in 2008.

The Guardian

This is almost double the 230 in the pipeline two years ago.

The Guardian

That's almost double the yield on 10-Year Treasuries.

Forbes

The total is almost double the number dispensed in 2008.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost double the extent", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being measured and compared. For example, "The protected area now covers almost double the extent it did a decade ago."

Common error

Avoid using "almost double the extent" if the initial measurement is unclear or undefined. This can lead to confusion about the actual increase. For example, instead of saying "The project's scope grew to almost double the extent", specify "The project's scope grew from 100 acres to almost double that."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost double the extent" functions as a degree modifier describing the degree to which something has increased. It specifies that the increase is significant, approaching a doubling, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost double the extent" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a significant increase nearing a 100% rise in size, scope, or amount. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase functions as a degree modifier and is frequently encountered in news, science, and wiki contexts. Although it is found in various reputable sources, it is less commonly used than simpler alternatives like ""nearly double the scope"" or ""close to twice the size"". When using this phrase, clarity in the base measurement is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly double the scope

Replaces "extent" with "scope", offering a slightly different word choice while maintaining the same meaning.

approximately double the range

Substitutes "almost" with "approximately" and "extent" with "range", slightly changing the precision and focus.

close to twice the size

Uses a more descriptive phrase instead of "almost double", emphasizing the multiplication by two.

virtually double the magnitude

Replaces "almost" with "virtually" and "extent" with "magnitude", offering a more formal and impactful tone.

practically twice the amount

Similar to "close to twice", but using "practically" to convey near duplication of the amount.

almost twice as large

Reformulates the phrase to focus on the comparative size, rather than the extent.

in the vicinity of double the area

Employs a more verbose and less direct way of expressing the near doubling of the area.

around double the scale

Uses "around" and "scale" to give a slightly less precise but conceptually similar meaning.

not far from doubling the reach

Expresses the idea of expansion to nearly twice the reach, focusing on the outcome.

just shy of doubling the volume

Indicates that the volume has almost, but not quite, doubled.

FAQs

How can I use "almost double the extent" in a sentence?

Use "almost double the extent" to describe a quantity or area that is nearing twice its original size or scope. For instance, "The new park will almost double the extent of green space in the city."

What are some alternatives to "almost double the extent"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly double the scope", "approximately double the range", or "close to twice the size", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "almost double the extent" or "nearly twice the size"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "nearly twice the size" might be clearer in some contexts. The best choice depends on what you are trying to emphasize: the extent or the size.

What does "almost double the extent" imply about the actual increase?

It implies that the increase is significant, nearing a 100% increase. However, it also indicates that the increase is slightly less than a full doubling.