approximately double the size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately double the size" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is roughly twice the size of another object or measurement. Example: "The new building is approximately double the size of the old one, allowing for more office space."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

However, set B (74 compounds) was approximately double the size of set A (33 compounds).

ChemMedChem

The two sub-districts involved in this research each have a population over 400 000 and, although approximately double the size of the World Health Organization-defined concept of a district (Tarimo and Fowkes 1989), they have the same function of being the primary administrative units for managing and co-ordinating health services, community involvement and intersectoral actions for health.

Health Policy and Planning

Cut out a square of crepe paper approximately double the size of the lid.

WikiHow

You should now have two big soft lovely dough balls approximately double the size of the deflated dough.

WikiHow

Place the wing frame on the fabric and cut out a rough outline of the wings approximately double the size of your wire frame.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In 2016, when we raised Foundry Group Next, we approximately doubled the size of that fund to $500 million since 30% of it was going to be invested in partner funds and 70% in early growth.

TechCrunch

Kidneys were approximately double the normal size and were pale tan to grey in color.

Environmental Health Perspectives

petraea samples (Austria and Dürn, Germany) had approximately double the genome size of the other A. lyrata (ssp. lyrata and ssp. petraea) and A. halleri ssp.

AoB PLANTS

Finally, in Verbascum, if we exclude the tetraploid V. virgatum with approximately double the value of genome size of the remaining species, the other taxa presented very similar genome sizes.

AoB PLANTS

All primer pairs used were confirmed to approximately double the amount of product within one cycle and to yield a single product of the predicted size.

Plosone

This represents approximately double the volume of reduced gametes.

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approximately double the size", ensure the context makes it clear what is being doubled. For example, specify "approximately double the size of the original room" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately double the size" when a more precise measurement is available. Using an approximation when exact figures are known can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately double the size" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating the extent or magnitude of something in relation to another reference point. As Ludwig AI highlights, it correctly describes a comparative size.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

Wiki

40%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately double the size" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that is roughly twice as large as another. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase finds applications across diverse contexts, including science, wiki articles, and news reports. The phrase functions as a descriptive modifier, providing a relative comparison of size without requiring precise measurements. While versatile, it's best to avoid it when exact figures are available to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "roughly twice as big" or "almost twice the size" can offer slight variations in tone while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly twice as big

Changes the adverb "approximately" to "roughly" and uses the adjective "big" instead of "size", slightly altering the wording.

almost twice the size

Substitutes "approximately" with "almost", indicating a near doubling in size.

nearly double the dimensions

Replaces "size" with "dimensions", providing a more formal alternative while retaining the meaning of a near doubling.

about two times larger

Expresses the concept using a numerical multiplier ("two times") and the adjective "larger" instead of "size".

in the vicinity of double the size

Adds a degree of uncertainty by using "in the vicinity of", suggesting an approximate doubling.

on the order of twice the size

Uses "on the order of" to indicate an estimation, maintaining the idea of a size increase by a factor of two.

close to double the area

Specifies "area" instead of "size", focusing on a two-dimensional measurement that is nearly doubled.

virtually twice as large

Replaces "approximately" with "virtually" and uses "large" instead of "size", indicating a near doubling in extent.

in the neighborhood of double the size

Replaces "approximately" with "in the neighborhood of", indicating an approximation.

practically double in magnitude

Substitutes "size" with "magnitude", often used for more abstract or quantitative increases, and uses "practically" for approximation.

FAQs

How can I use "approximately double the size" in a sentence?

You can use "approximately double the size" to describe something that is roughly twice as large as something else. For example, "The new warehouse is "approximately double the size" of the old one."

What phrases are similar to "approximately double the size"?

Alternatives include "roughly twice as big", "almost twice the size", or "nearly double the dimensions".

Is it appropriate to use "approximately double the size" in formal writing?

Yes, "approximately double the size" is suitable for formal writing when an exact measurement is not necessary or available. It conveys a clear, albeit approximate, scale of increase.

What's the difference between "approximately double the size" and "exactly double the size"?

"Approximately double the size" means the item is close to being twice the size, while "exactly double the size" means it is precisely twice the size. Use the former when precision is not critical.