double

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to something that is twice as much or twofold in quantity, size, or degree. Example: "I would like a double portion of fries, please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Business

Film

Money

Tech

Music

Arts

Society

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

A successful referendum requires a double majority – a national yes vote, and affirmation in the majority of the states.

The Guardian

That flight is only about half the price ($186), despite its being more than double the distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Youth unemployment rates in Europe are especially rising fast and are over 30% in Italy, Portugal and Spain – approximately double US rates.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The fact that Indonesia for a long time refused to even acknowledge that there was a double standard in their insistence that Australia was infringing their sovereignty by appealing for clemency, while at the same time appealing for clemency for its own citizens facing the death penalty in other countries, that has been really quite damaging from Australia's point of view," he said.

The Guardian

Most workers who will end up living there will be transferred from other accommodation centres in Qatar, but officials have said the number of migrant workers in the country will more than double to two and a half million two years before the World Cup.

The Guardian

But if Kutcher and Bieber think that they can just swan in and become the most offensively terrible double act of all time, they've got another thing coming.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Thus it was able to predict "double-digit" enhancement to earnings in the first year of ownership; if achieved, that would be a good start.

The Guardian

Right now, in fact, I'm in a double-glazed room half a mile away from the nearest WH Smith's, and yet I'm pretty sure the front pages have managed to give me the first sproutings of a brain tumour.

The Guardian

First, there is the double-standard where most but not all, Test matches use the DRS because of the BCCI's opposition.

The Guardian - Sport

Ukip has paid for a double-page ad in the Daily Telegraph on the same day the paper's front page claimed that voting for the party was like writing a "suicide note" for Britain.

The Guardian

The latest figures show the Australian's weekday newspaper fell 6.5% year-on-year to 104,165 copies; Fairfax Media's Sydney Morning Herald suffered a double-digit decline of 11.3%, falling to 112,229 daily copies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "double" as an adjective, ensure it clearly modifies the noun it precedes, indicating a quantity or size that is twice the normal amount. For example, "a double serving" or "a double room".

Common error

Avoid using "double" interchangeably with similar terms like "duplicate" or "twin" if the context requires precise meaning. "Double" specifies a quantity or size twice as much, while "duplicate" means an exact copy and "twin" means similar and being two of something.

Linguistic Context

The word "double" functions as an adjective, noun, verb, and adverb. As evidenced by Ludwig, it modifies nouns to indicate quantity or serves as a noun itself, signifying twice the amount. It can also be used as a verb to mean multiply by two or as an adverb, meaning twofold.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sport

13%

Business

11%

Less common in

Travel

7%

Film

7%

Money

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "double" is versatile, functioning as an adjective, noun, verb, and adverb, primarily to indicate something that is multiplied by two or exists in two forms. As Ludwig highlights, its usage is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing with "double", ensure you understand its specific context to avoid misuse. "Double" is a key term for quantifying, modifying, and describing states of duplication, enhancement, or duality. Related phrases include "twice the amount", "twofold", and "duplicate", providing alternative ways to express similar concepts. Therefore, paying attention to frequency, register, and function of this term is essential for the efficiency of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twice the amount

Focuses specifically on the quantitative aspect of being two times the size or quantity.

twofold

Emphasizes the dual nature or composition of something.

duplicate

Highlights the creation of an identical copy or replica.

in duplicate

Describes something made or existing in two identical copies.

twice as much

Stresses the increase in quantity by a factor of two.

couple

Implies a pairing or joining of two elements.

twin

Suggests similarity and being two of something.

binary

Highlights the presence of two states, options, or components.

paired

Emphasizes that items are meant to be used or seen together as a set of two.

dual

Indicates having two aspects or natures.

FAQs

How can I use "double" in a sentence?

You can use "double" in a sentence to indicate something that is twice the size, amount, or degree. For instance, "I asked for a "double shot of espresso"" or "The company aims to "double its profits" this year".

What are some synonyms for "double"?

Synonyms for "double" include "twofold", "twice", "duplicate", and "dual". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "double the amount" or "twice the amount"?

Both "double the amount" and "twice the amount" are correct and can be used interchangeably. They both indicate that a quantity is multiplied by two.

What does it mean to "double down"?

To "double down" means to strengthen one's commitment to a particular strategy or course of action, often despite risk or opposition. It implies increasing effort or investment in something.