double what it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double what it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an increase in quantity or value, indicating that something has become twice as much as it previously was. Example: "The price of the product has doubled what it was last year, making it less affordable for many customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's double what it was in 1976.

The New York Times

That number is double what it was three months ago.

The New York Times

That is double what it was 15 years ago.

The Economist

But it is double what it was 13 months ago.

The New York Times

That number is double what it was three years ago.

The New York Times

That's about double what it was last year".

The New York Times

Demand for homes is double what it was in 1986.

The New York Times

Unemployment is double what it was a year ago.

The New York Times

In November, it was 8.5 million, more than double what it was before the recession.

The New York Times

Trade with Iraq was about $6 billion in 2010, almost double what it was in 2008.

The New York Times

By 2013, world output is expected to be double what it was in 2000.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "double what it was", ensure the context clearly establishes the original value or quantity for accurate comparison. For example, "Sales this quarter are double what it was last quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "double what it was" without a clear antecedent or reference point. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "Prices are double what it was", specify the time period: "Prices are double what it was last year."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double what it was" typically functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that its quantity or value is twice a previous amount. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "double what it was" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something has increased to twice its previous value. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news and media contexts, serving the purpose of highlighting a significant increase. While its register is generally neutral, more formal settings may benefit from more precise language. Therefore, while universally understood, context dictates the best choice of expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twice its previous value

Focuses on 'value' and uses the term 'twice' instead of 'double'.

two times the original amount

Uses a more mathematical expression with 'two times' and specifies 'original amount'.

increased twofold from its initial state

Employs 'twofold' and 'initial state' for a slightly more formal tone.

its value has doubled compared to before

Highlights the action of 'doubling' and uses 'compared to before' for clarity.

grew to 200 percent of its former size

Expresses the increase as a percentage of the 'former size'.

multiplied by two from its earlier figure

Uses 'multiplied by two' to indicate doubling and 'earlier figure' for the original value.

reached twice the size it used to be

Emphasizes the 'size' aspect and uses 'used to be' for a past state reference.

experienced a 100 percent increase

Quantifies the increase as a '100 percent increase'.

became twice as large as before

Focuses on the 'large' aspect and uses 'as before' for comparison.

it has become twice bigger than before

Focuses on the concept of size, replacing 'double' with 'twice bigger'.

FAQs

How can I use "double what it was" in a sentence?

The phrase "double what it was" indicates that a value or quantity has increased to twice its previous amount. For example, "The company's profits are "double what it was" last year."

What phrases are similar to "double what it was"?

Similar phrases include "twice the original amount", "two times the original amount", or "increased twofold". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "double what it was"?

Yes, "double what it was" is grammatically correct and widely used. It's a concise way to express that something has increased to twice its former value or quantity.

Can "double what it was" be used in formal writing?

While "double what it was" is acceptable in many contexts, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "twice its previous value" or "increased by 100 percent" for added precision.