double face

USAGE SUMMARY

Double face is not a grammatically correct phrase. However, it could be used as an idiom meaning to have two different or opposing personalities or views. For example, "She's a double face - during the day she acts one way, and at night she acts another."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Each watch has a double face, lacquered using the maki-e technique.

The New York Times

Then you find out 30% of them have spent double face value; that doesn't feel good".

The Guardian - Money

Wearing the double face of guide and devil, the Bird Man takes Ava on a long, hellish boat journey in search of her sister.

The New York Times - Books

This collection showed Altuzarra in a softer mood, opening with bathrobe-soft double face coats cocooning models in cobalt blue, khaki and fuchsia, with sensuality rather than sexuality evoked in apron-front dresses of heavily-textured embroidered cloth.

Independent

Their latest album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, entered the iTunes chart at No 2. At their sold-out gigs in New York's Central Park, tickets were going for double face value outside.

The Guardian - Music

The ambiguity surrounding modern perceptions of the missionaries is captured in a painting, "The Double Face of Colonialism," which depicts a white man wearing a clerical collar and a cowboy hat, carrying both a Bible and a gun.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Though hardly an egregious spill like Yulia Lipnitskaya's double face-down tumble, it was nonetheless a highly visible error, which under figure skating's old 6.0 scoring system might well have taken her out of gold-medal contention.

The Economist

The double faces are the hardest.

The New Yorker

The disclosures by Mr. Snowden set off a surge of commentary against American "double faced" and "arrogant" behavior by many users of China's version of Twitter.

The New York Times

Double faces were deposited to prepare symmetrical Al2O3/Si/Al2O3.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Finally, when using double faced adhesive tape to bond the superhydrophobic coating to the glass, the coating remained superhydrophobicity after 30 cycles of sandpaper abrasion test.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a person's deceitful character, consider using "two-faced" or "duplicitous" instead of "double face" for clearer and more grammatically correct communication.

Common error

Avoid using "double face" when describing someone's character. While understandable, it's not grammatically sound. Opt for widely accepted terms like "two-faced" or "deceptive" for improved clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double face" functions as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally. Ludwig indicates it's not fully grammatically correct, yet it appears in various contexts to describe dual aspects or duplicity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double face" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English, Ludwig AI confirms. However, it's used in various contexts, including news and scientific publications, to describe items with two distinct sides or aspects. While "double face" is understandable, especially when referring to materials, established terms like "two-faced" or "duplicitous" are preferred when describing a person's character. Therefore, it is best to favor established terms for improved clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two-faced

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of having two contrasting personas.

duplicitous

Highlights the act of deception and insincerity.

deceptive appearance

Focuses on the misleading nature of the outward presentation.

two-sided

Indicates having two distinct and contrasting aspects or characteristics.

reversible fabric

Refers to a material with two usable sides, often with different colors or textures.

Janus-faced

Alludes to the Roman god Janus, symbolizing duality and transitions.

double-dealing

Highlights the act of betraying trust by acting in contradictory ways.

false front

Implies a facade or pretense used to conceal the truth.

ambivalent nature

Highlights uncertainty or contradictory feelings about something.

contradictory aspects

Focuses on the presence of opposing elements within a single entity.

FAQs

Is "double face" grammatically correct?

No, "double face" isn't grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "two-faced" or "duplicitous" when describing someone's character.

What does "double face" mean?

While not grammatically standard, "double face" is often used to describe someone who is deceptive or has two different personalities, similar to being two-faced.

When can I use "double face"?

It's more appropriate to use "double face" when describing fabrics or materials with two distinct sides. However, for describing a person's character, use established terms such as "duplicitous" or "deceptive".

What are some alternatives to "double face"?

Depending on the context, you can use "two-faced", "deceptive", or "duplicitous" for describing someone's character. For materials, consider "two-sided" or "reversible".