double the length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double the length" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to increasing the size or duration of something to twice its original measurement. Example: "To improve the design, we need to double the length of the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

If remade, like Peter Jackson's King Kong, it would probably be double the length.

The Guardian - Film

4. Line a baking sheet with 2 layers of foil, extending double the length of the pan.

The New York Times - Magazine

The new runs due to open this season should double the length of piste to 80 kilometres.

The Guardian - Travel

The new sections will almost double the length of coastal path that has already been created as part of the project.

The Guardian

It snaps shut rather than being key operated and has an ingenious locking mechanism that means you can lock two together to double the length of the lock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The story was extremely long at the beginning it was really a novella, probably double the length that it is now.

The New Yorker

Crossrail trains will be more than 200m long, roughly double the length of trains on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, with a capacity of 1,500 passengers.

The Guardian

A Labour government would double the length of paternity leave and vastly increase levels of paternity pay, under plans to be revealed by Ed Miliband on Monday.

The Guardian - Money

Those inmates have much longer sentences — they will stay in county jail an average of two years, more than double the length of stay for typical county inmates.

The New York Times

The story was extremely long at the beginning — it was really a novella, probably double the length that it is now.

The New Yorker

It would double the length of Colombia's dual-carriageway roads, continue upgrading Bogotá's airport, revive railways and expand shipping by boat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "double the length", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and doubled. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the units of measurement (e.g., inches, meters, seconds) where necessary.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader knows the original length. Always provide a reference point or initial measurement to ensure the doubled length is correctly understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double the length" primarily functions as a verb phrase when used in an imperative context, instructing someone to increase the length of something to twice its original size. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "double the length" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating an increase in something's length to twice its original measurement. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the units of measurement and provide a reference point for the original length. While alternatives like "twice the length" or "increase the length twofold" exist, "double the length" remains a straightforward and versatile option for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the length twofold

Emphasizes the action of increasing and specifies the multiplication factor.

make the length twice as long

Uses a more descriptive approach, highlighting the resulting state of being twice as long.

extend the length by 100 percent

Expresses the increase as a percentage of the original length.

duplicate the length

Implies creating an identical length, effectively doubling it.

amplify the length

Indicates a significant increase in length, although not necessarily exactly double.

expand the length by a factor of two

Formal and precise, specifying the factor by which the length is increased.

lengthen it by twice its size

Focuses on adding an amount equivalent to the original length.

multiply the length by two

Directly states the mathematical operation performed on the length.

make twice the length

A more concise way of stating the result of the doubling.

increase to twice the length

Highlights the final measurement compared to the initial one.

FAQs

How can I use "double the length" in a sentence?

You can use "double the length" to describe an increase in measurement. For example, "We need to "increase the length twofold" of the cable to reach the power source."

What is a synonym for "double the length"?

Alternatives include "make the length twice as long", "increase the length by 100 percent", or "extend the length by a factor of two". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "twice the length" instead of "double the length"?

Yes, "twice the length" is a correct and often more concise way to express the same idea as "double the length". For example, "The new rope is "make twice the length" of the old one."

What is the difference between "double the length" and "doubling the length"?

"Double the length" is an imperative or a descriptive phrase. "Doubling the length" is a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. For example: "Double the length of the recipe to serve more people" versus "Increase the length twofold is necessary for better coverage."