almost double the number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'almost double the number' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something has increased significantly. For example, "We've almost doubled the number of people attending the event this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

New Jersey has 95 farmers' markets, almost double the number from five years ago.

The New York Times

That is almost double the number who said they were retaliated against in the 2007 study.

The New York Times

The Cuban community rewarded him with almost double the number of votes they gave Mr Gingrich.

The Economist

"Professional players had almost double the number of concussions but both amateurs and professionals were showing similar data," Pearce said.

The Guardian

However, British dealers proved to be far busier, averaging almost double the number of transactions each over the month.

The Guardian

Women now hold 23.5% of FTSE 100 directorships, almost double the number in 2011, when the target was set.

The Guardian - Business

Two months ago, it had 1.5 million registered users - almost double the number of AOL, the previous market leader.

The Guardian - Tech

Greece has almost double the number of shops per head as the western European average, says McKinsey.

The Economist

Switzerland plays host to almost double the number of asylum-seekers per head of population of its European neighbours.

Independent

A SUCCESSFUL conclusion of the current enlargement negotiations will almost double the number of European Union members.

The Economist

In contrast some 58,000 Chinese people now take the test, almost double the number from four years ago.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost double the number", ensure you are comparing two specific quantities. This phrase is most effective when illustrating a significant increase or change between two data points.

Common error

Avoid using "almost double the number" when a more precise figure is available. While it conveys a general sense of increase, providing exact numbers enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost double the number" functions as a quantitative descriptor, modifying a noun phrase to indicate an approximate doubling of a quantity. It’s used to highlight a significant increase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost double the number" is a commonly used phrase to describe a quantity that is approaching twice a previous amount. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure that you are comparing two distinct quantities and that a precise number isn't more appropriate to use. Related phrases, such as "nearly twice the amount", offer slight variations in emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly twice the amount

Emphasizes the approximation of doubling the quantity.

almost twice as many

Focuses on the doubled count of individual items.

close to doubling the count

Highlights the action of approaching a doubled quantity.

in the vicinity of double the quantity

Indicates a less precise estimation of doubling.

approximately double the total

Uses "approximately" to suggest an estimated doubling.

virtually double the sum

Implies a near or practical doubling of the sum.

practically twice the figure

Emphasizes the real-world impact of an almost doubled number.

not far from doubling the record

Focuses on the action of approaching the doubled record.

virtually twice the tally

Implies a near or practical doubling of the tally.

around double the measure

Indicates a less precise estimation of doubling.

FAQs

How do I use "almost double the number" in a sentence?

You can use "almost double the number" to compare two quantities, showing a significant increase. For example, "This year, we received almost double the number of applications compared to last year".

What's a more formal way to say "almost double the number"?

More formal alternatives include "nearly twice the amount" or "approximately double the total".

Which is correct, "almost double the number" or "nearly double the number"?

Both "almost double the number" and "nearly double the number" are correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "almost double the number" and "more than double the number"?

"Almost double the number" indicates the quantity is close to, but not exceeding, twice the original amount. "More than double the number" indicates it exceeds twice the original amount.