almost double the rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost double the rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two rates, indicating that one is nearly twice as much as the other. Example: "The new policy has resulted in almost double the rate of customer satisfaction compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Total tequila production topped 190m litres last year - almost double the rate of 1995.

The Guardian

Nearly one in four recruits now has some college experience, almost double the rate five years ago, General Rochelle said.

The New York Times

On the one hand, holiday season sales grew at almost double the rate they did in 2002.

The New York Times

The number of homeless people diagnosed with mental health problems is almost double the rate of the general population.

The Guardian

GRAPHIC: UNEVEN UNEMPLOYMENT: The unemployment rate for different parts of the city varied from about half the citywide average to almost double the rate.

The New York Times

To give just one example, the Moser report of 1999 suggested that 23% of the British population is "functionally illiterate"—almost double the rate in Germany.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

During November 1993, KDAF, then the Fox affiliate for Dallas, Texas, had a three-day transmitter failure, resulting in a blank screen instead of an episode of Animaniacs; during this period, about 11,000 homes were tuned to KDAF during the Animaniacs timeslot, which was almost double the rating of the rival KXTX-TV (at the time an independent station) children's show.

Wikipedia

Nearly 1.5 billion adults were overweight in 2008, and of these half a billion were clinically obese – almost double the rates of 1980 [ 9].

BMC Family Practice

On the other hand, incidence rates of IBDU showed no consistent change for different age groups over time.Incidence rates of CD among youngest women in our cohort were almost double the rates of UC.

BMC Gastroenterology

The Q153R CPR mutation mentioned above had a slight stimulatory effect on the CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of 2 H-1-benzopyran-3-carbonitrile,7- ethoxy-methoxy -2-oxo- 9Cl) (EOMCC),7- ethoxy-methoxy -2-oxo- 9Clte of metabolism of dextromethorphan.

Chemical Research in Toxicology

Cisplatin at a dose of 50  μ M in combination with ISIS 16009 AS oligonucleotides almost doubled the rate of apoptotic cells compared to saline or MM oligonucleotides pretreated cells (Sal+Cis 7.2%, s.d. ±2.7%; AS+Cis 18.9%, s.d. ±5.9%; MM+Cis 5.1%, s.d. ±1.7%; both P<0.002; data not shown).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "almost double the rate", ensure that the context clearly establishes the initial rate to which the comparison is being made. This avoids ambiguity and provides a clear understanding of the magnitude of change.

Common error

Avoid using "almost double the rate" when the actual increase significantly deviates from a true doubling. If the rate has more than doubled, it is more accurate to specify the actual multiplier or percentage increase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost double the rate" functions as an adverbial modifier, quantifying the extent of an increase or difference between two rates. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It provides a comparative perspective, indicating that one rate is significantly higher than another, nearing a twofold increase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

38%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost double the rate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that one rate is nearing twice the value of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable and widely used. Primarily found in news and media and scientific contexts, the phrase serves to emphasize a considerable increase or difference. While alternatives such as "nearly double the rate" and "close to double the rate" exist, the key is to ensure the context clearly establishes the baseline rate for accurate comparison. Avoid using the phrase if the actual increase significantly exceeds or falls short of a true doubling to maintain precision and avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly twice the rate

Replaces "almost" with "nearly", providing a slightly more precise feel.

close to double the rate

Emphasizes the approximation of doubling.

virtually double the rate

Suggests a rate that is, for all practical purposes, doubled.

practically double the rate

Similar to "virtually", indicating near doubling.

approximately double the rate

Highlights the estimation aspect of the doubling.

almost a twofold increase in the rate

Rephrases the doubling as a "twofold increase".

the rate nearly doubled

Focuses on the action of the rate doubling, rather than its magnitude.

the rate increased by almost 100 percent

Expresses the increase as a percentage.

around double the rate

Uses "around" for a more casual approximation.

in the vicinity of double the rate

Adds a degree of uncertainty to the doubling.

FAQs

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

Use "almost double the rate" to compare two rates, indicating one is close to twice the other. For instance: "The incidence of the disease is "nearly double the rate" in urban areas compared to rural areas."

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

"Almost double the rate" implies a value close to, but less than, twice the original rate. "More than double the rate" indicates the value is greater than twice the original. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the proportional relationship.

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

Both "almost double the rate" and "nearly double the rate" are correct and interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference. "Nearly" might sound slightly more precise.

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

Alternatives include "close to double the rate", "approximately double the rate", or "the rate nearly doubled" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.