double down on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double down on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used in a business or professional context to mean to commit additional resources, energy, or focus to something in order to make greater progress. For example, "The company decided to double down on their research and development efforts for the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Double down on the ones that work and get going.

TechCrunch

Then double down on the one or two channels and messages that resonate".

Huffington Post

"Progressives should double down on the policy and say we want a much higher one".

Huffington Post

Double down on baby formula in Macau.

The New Yorker

Nelson's venture, Minerva, uses technology to double down on seminars.

The New York Times

Double down on the criticism in the face of questioning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Rather than avoiding these cuts, budget hawks could easily double-down on Obama's proposal.

Huffington Post

We simply can't afford to double-down on trickle-down.

Huffington Post

They decided to double-down on their populist base-pandering.

Huffington Post

You have to be authentic, persistent and double-down on it.

Huffington Post

Hillary the Hawk wants to double-down on a losing hand.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "double down on" when you want to convey a sense of commitment and increasing investment in a particular strategy or action. It's particularly effective when emphasizing a decisive shift towards a more focused approach.

Common error

Avoid using "double down on" when a simple continuation of effort is intended. This phrase implies a significant escalation or intensification of resources and focus, not just maintaining the status quo.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double down on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a decisive action to reinforce or increase commitment to something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is commonly used in a business or professional context. Examples show its use across diverse fields like technology, politics, and personal finance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "double down on" is a versatile phrasal verb that communicates a strategic commitment to increasing efforts or investments. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in professional and news contexts. While it's essential to use it when a genuine intensification is intended, this phrase can significantly strengthen your communication by conveying a sense of decisive action and focused determination. Remember that its broad applicability makes it useful across diverse settings, but it’s crucial to align the tone with the overall formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase focus on

Emphasizes directing more attention and effort towards a specific area.

intensify efforts on

Highlights a greater level of activity and energy being applied.

invest more in

Suggests allocating additional resources (time, money, energy) to something.

concentrate on

Suggests a narrowing of attention to a particular subject or task.

reinforce

Implies strengthening or supporting an existing approach or belief.

dedicate more to

Focuses on the commitment of time or resources to a particular goal.

emphasize

Focuses on giving prominence to something.

prioritize

Highlights the act of giving precedence to certain actions or items.

magnify attention on

Indicates making something appear more important or significant through increased focus.

underscore the importance of

Emphasizes the significance or value of something.

FAQs

How can I use "double down on" in a sentence?

You can use "double down on" to indicate increasing commitment or investment in something. For example, "The company decided to "double down on" its marketing efforts to reach a wider audience."

What's a less intense alternative to "double down on"?

If you don't want to emphasize a significant escalation, consider using alternatives like "focus on", "emphasize", or "concentrate on" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "double down on" in formal writing?

Yes, "double down on" is acceptable in formal writing, especially in business or strategic contexts where emphasizing a strong commitment is desired. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What does it mean to "double down on" something?

To "double down on" something means to reinforce, strengthen, or increase one's commitment to it. It often implies a calculated risk or a strategic decision to invest more heavily in a particular area.