almost twice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost twice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a quantity that is nearly double another quantity, often in comparisons or measurements. Example: "The new model is almost twice the size of the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Almost twice as permissive.

The New York Times - Arts

Worldwide it's made almost twice that.

The New York Times

"It's almost twice as expensive," she said.

The New York Times

Seasons are almost twice as long there.

The New York Times - Science

Gretzky, 39, is almost twice as old.

The New York Times - Sports

He is almost twice her age.

The New Yorker

Almost twice as many (54) are rated as "flawed democracies".

The Economist

In 2010, there were almost twice as many younger ones.

The New York Times

There are sweeps and raids almost twice a month.

The New York Times

They won almost twice as many face-offs as Washington.

The New York Times - Sports

That is almost twice as many as in 1976.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost twice", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is being doubled to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "almost twice the size" or "almost twice the cost".

Common error

Avoid using "almost twice" when the actual difference is significantly more or less than a true doubling. If the value is closer to 1.5 times or 2.5 times, using more specific language is preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost twice" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a quantity that is slightly less than double another. It is used to express approximation and comparison, as illustrated by examples in Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “almost twice” is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe a quantity that is slightly less than double another. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, making it a valuable tool for expressing approximate magnitudes. When employing “almost twice”, clarity is key: always ensure the reference point for the doubling is evident. While alternatives like "nearly double" and "close to double" exist, “almost twice” remains a common and effective choice for conveying a near-doubling effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly double

Emphasizes the approximation to doubling without stating it as definitively.

close to double

Highlights that the value is in proximity to being twice as much.

approximately twofold

Uses a more formal term to indicate the near doubling of something.

virtually twice as much

Stresses that it is for all practical purposes twice as much.

practically double

Similar to 'virtually', it suggests the difference from double is negligible.

almost twofold

A more concise way of saying "almost twice", using 'fold' to indicate multiplication.

in the neighborhood of double

Suggests a value that is loosely around twice the original amount.

just under double

Indicates the amount is slightly less than double.

around double

General expression indicating a value close to twice another.

not quite double

Explicitly states the amount does not reach double, but is close.

FAQs

How can I use "almost twice" in a sentence?

You can use "almost twice" to describe a quantity that is slightly less than double another quantity. For instance, "The new building is "almost twice" the height of the old one."

What can I say instead of "almost twice"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly double", "close to double", or "approximately twofold" depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "almost twice" or "double"?

"Almost twice" is more accurate when the quantity is slightly less than double. "Double" implies an exact multiplication by two. If precision is important, consider using ""nearly double"" or a similar phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "almost twice" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when conveying an approximate doubling is sufficient and precision isn't critical. If the exact amount is important, provide the specific figures. Using it is acceptable according to Ludwig AI.